Texas Capitol Heating Up

POLICY

Energy Issues on the Hot Seat
With legislative session just seven short months away, it’s no surprise that things are heating up at the Texas Capitol.  Emphasizing an intense focus on energy policy this session, the House Energy Resources and Natural Resources Committees will hold a combined three-days of hearings on energy issues beginning today.  In fact, more than 20 interim charges have been issued on important energy topics and some of those will be addressed during the following upcoming Texas Legislative Hearings:

• June 26th House Energy Resources: Review current state and federal laws and regulations and make recommendations to encourage additional energy production in Texas. Focus on the impact energy production has on our state’s economy.
•  June 27th – 28th House Energy Resources and Natural Resources (Joint Hearing): (1) Study the implications of hydraulic fracturing on the state’s energy needs, environmental policy, economic development, and other related priorities; (2) Examine the interplay of water and energy resources and needs in the state.
•  July 10th Senate Business & Commerce: Review current and pending ERCOT protocols as they apply to all generation technology, and identify those protocols that may provide operational, administrative, or competitive advantages to any specific generation by fuel type. Consider the impact any revisions to the protocols may have on grid reliability and electricity rates. Make recommendations for revisions or statutory changes to limit distortions in the Texas electrical market.

PEOPLE
Happening Now!

The House Energy Resources Committee is meeting today with Chairman Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) and Vice Chair Myra Crownover (R-Denton) presiding.

The hearing will focus on oil and gas energy production with testimony from the Railroad Commission, TXDOT Eagle Ford Shale Task Force, and the Comptroller’s office.  There will also be panels on distributed generation and renewable energy.  However, the House Energy Resources clerk noted that this hearing would not discuss electricity issues that are under State Affairs jurisdiction.

PROGRAMMING
PAT:  Your Eyes & Ears in the Action

Power Across Texas will be analyzing these important interim hearings and offering a high-level assessment of the impact on energy issues in our state.  This new member benefit is just one way that Power Across Texas is delivering on its mission to act as a forum for high-quality information, tools, research and analysis to balance the debate “over the best way to ensure a clean, robust and reliable energy supply in Texas.”

Please let us know what you think of the information we are providing as our goal at Power Across Texas is to provide you with timely, balanced policy analysis and insights that you won’t receive anywhere else.