As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of the importance of gratitude. Gathering around the table with friends and family serves as a perfect opportunity for us to recenter our lives in the present and acknowledge the countless blessings God has given us. A mindset of thankfulness helps us see what is there instead of what is not. As we celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones this year, let us be mindful of God’s grace and favor in our lives and the importance of having a heart of gratitude that recognizes the good no matter the circumstances.
With that, we’ll dive back into our examination of House interim charges. . .
House Interim Charge: Environmental Regulation
The House Committee on Environmental Regulation has jurisdiction over all matters related to air, land, and water pollution, the environmental regulation of industrial development, and the regulation of waste disposal. The Committee also has jurisdiction over the Texas Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission and certain aspects of the Department of State Health Services and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
During the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of House Bills 3060 and 4885. HB 3060 updated and modernized a number of definitions of recycling practices in Texas. This was done in order to allow for the development of new recycling processes and the economic benefits associated with these processes.
HB 4885 established the Texas hydrogen infrastructure, vehicle, and equipment grant program. Additionally, the bill adjusts administration funding of the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP) so that it is based on a percentage of the TERP fund, closely linking the workforce needed for administration to the relative size and usage of the fund.
The Committee will also study the implications of recently proposed EPA regulations to assess their impact on air quality in Texas. The Committee will also examine the need for a new State Air Quality Implementation program and legislation to balance regulatory compliance and economic vitality.
Finally, the Committee will evaluate the environmental impacts of the industrial development of emerging hydrogen markets, including production, transportation, storage, power generation, and other aspects of the emerging markets. The Committee will make recommendations to build a competitive hydrogen industry in Texas.
The mobile office is taking a break from the road in December but will be back after the Christmas holiday. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My District Office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol Office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
