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This week I will continue discussing the interim charges for House committees. The charges are good indicators of what legislation the legislature will take up during the next session. Interim charges are the issues that the Speaker asks committees to study during the time between regular legislative sessions in order to make recommendations for legislation for the following legislative session. Legislators rely on public input when crafting legislation, and it is important that they hear from citizens during the interim. This week, I will discuss the Committee on Energy Resources which oversees issues pertaining to the production, regulation, transportation, and development of energy resources as well as mining and mineral rights on state lands.
House Committee on Energy Resources
* Examine issues related to electrical lines and abandoned equipment on oil and gas leases.
* Examine whether the Railroad Commission of Texas should regulate carbon capture.
* Discuss further the issue of financial assurance in relation to oil and gas wells, and evaluate the current bonding structure.
* Discuss alternative energy sources and how best to incorporate them into our traditional energy sector. Also study the potential benefits of biofuels in Texas, including Texas feedstocks best suited for biofuel production and synergies between that industry and traditional energy sectors. Develop recommendations for facilitating the growth of the biofuel industry in a manner that best positions Texas in the national market.
* Research ways to maintain groundwater quality in relation to oil and gas exploration through economic incentives for innovative technology solutions.
* Study the use of the Texas Economic Development Act since its enactment. Determine how the act may be enhanced to better attract significant capital investments by science and technology industries developing alternative energy sources. (Joint Interim Charge with the House Committee on Economic Development)
* Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction: the Railroad Commission of Texas; the Office of Interstate Oil Compact Commissioner for Texas; the Office of Interstate Mining Compact Commissioner for Texas; the Texas Energy Coordination Council; and the Office of Southern States Energy Board Member for Texas.
The Committee on Energy Resources can be reached at 512-463-0774. For more information on these charges or any other matter of state government, please contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.