Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

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NATURAL RESOURCES/Air
77 th Texas Legislature
More Flex and Muscle to Vehicle Emissions Testing - H.B. 2134
by Representative Chisum
Senate Sponsor: Senator Brown
Federal law requires certain air quality standards and imposes strict deadlines and penalties for
noncompliance. This bill provides the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and
the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with expanded authority and flexibility relating to vehicle
emissions testing.
Amends the Health and Safety Code and the Transportation Code through creation of the low-income
vehicle repair assistance, retrofit, and accelerated vehicle retirement program.
Authorizes TNRCC, in consultation with DPS, to contract with private entities to provide testing equipment,
training, and related services to vehicle inspection stations.
Requires the program to offer monetary assistance for the following:
• repairs directly related to bringing certain vehicles that have failed a required emissions test into
compliance;
• replacement vehicle or replacement assistance for a vehicle that has failed a required emissions
test and for which the cost of repairs needed for compliance is uneconomical; and
• installation of retrofit equipment on vehicles having failed a required emissions test.
Sets out provisions for vehicle eligibility and TNRCC guidelines for participating counties implementing the
low-income vehicle assistance program.
Sets out provisions for TNRCC to process emissions reduction credits achieved under this bill.
Sets out provisions for retirement of vehicles and the limited circumstances in which they may be brought
into compliance and resold.
Provides that a county voluntarily implementing a motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance
program may be designated as a “Clean Air County” and given preference in any federal or state clean air
grant program.
Notice and Hearing Requirement Exemptions
Under the Texas Clean Air Act - H.B. 2518
by Representative Kuempel
Senate Sponsor: Senator Haywood
Provides that certain public notice and hearing requirements under the Texas Clean Air Act do not apply to
an applicant for a permit amendment for construction or modification of a facility that may emit air
contaminants if the total emissions increase from all facilities authorized under the amended permit will
Senate Research Center 217