84th Legislative Regular Session Archive

84^th Legislative Regular Session-Archive

Any opinions voiced in the articles linked below are those of the article authors only, and not necessarily endorsed by Competitive Assets

Latest News

Texas Bill Would Allow Large Generation Companies to Buy Luminant Power Plants
As noted in the Texas Electric News on 1/29/15, HB 962 has language that would allow companies to own more than 20 percent of the generation capacity in a power region — removing a restriction under current law.  As pointed out by Law360, this opens up the bankruptcy proceedings for Energy Future Holdings so that the Luminant power plants could be purchased by any other company. ………Click here for more

Texas Bill Filed to Limit Capacity Market Development
On 1/27/15 a HB 962 was filed for consideration in the 84^th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.  This bill, authored by Representative Krause, states the following:  “(d-1)  The legislature finds that the amount of installed generation capacity is best determined by investor, generator, and customer choices through the normal forces of competition. ……..Click here for more

Texas Senator Fraser Shows Concern for EPA Rules
At the 1/28/15 Meeting of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development, Chairman Senator Troy Fraser expressed his concern about complying with pending new EPA rules to combat climate change.  He stated that he thinks the rules may be designed to hurt the state economy, ……Click here for more

TEW: 1/28/15 Meeting of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development
On 1/28/15, the new Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development had its first meeting to hear updates from the PUCT, TCEQ, RRC, ERCOT, and Water Development Board. While most of the updates were positive, both the legislators and agency heads expressed continued concerns about EPA’s emissions rules and their impact on Texas economy. To read more, please subscribe to Texas Electric Watch. If you are interested in purchasing this TEW issue, please click here. If you are interested in subscribing the Texas Electric Watch, please click here or call Competitive Assets at 512-581-0151. 

Senator Fraser’s Committee to Hear Testimony from ERCOT, PUCT, and Others
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development, Chaired by Senator Troy Fraser, will meet at 9AM, on Jan. 28, 2015, in Room E1.012 to adopt rules and receive an update from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Water Development Board. There will be invited testimony only.  At the meeting the Committee will receive a briefing from the PUCT on….Click here for more

Legislative Committee Interim Reports Filed
At the start of a new legislative session, the House and Senate committees release reports, compiled in response to the Speaker’s and Lt. Governor’s interim charges. On electric energy issues, the relevant House committees include those on Energy Resources, Environmental Regulation, Natural Resources, and State Affairs. The filed reports cover topics  ……Click here for more

Texas Lt. Governor Announces Senate Committee Assignments
On 1/23/15, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick released committee assignments for the Regular Session of the 84^th Legislature. Electric bills have been typically referred to the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee, although committees on State Affairs and Business and Commerce may also play a role.……..Click here for more

Jan 28, 2015: State lawmakers warned of coming environmental rules

Jan 28, 2015: The EPA Hopes To Kill The Texas Jobs Machine

Jan 26, 2015: Homeowners fight to take drilling battle to legislature

Jan 24, 2015: Border Senators Pleased With Committee Assignments

Jan 24, 2015: Lt. Gov. Patrick decides on Texas Senate committees

Jan 23, 2015: Lawmakers Consider Boosting Earthquake Research