The bill, S.B. No. 1264, introduces a new section, 382.02165, to the Health and Safety Code, which establishes a framework for local air pollution control programs to be notified and involved in the corrective action plans for excessive emissions events. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) must notify local air pollution control programs of any excessive emissions event occurring within their jurisdiction. Upon receiving a corrective action plan from a facility, the TCEQ is required to allow local programs at least 30 days to provide comments on the plan before it can be approved. Additionally, any comments made by local programs are exempt from public disclosure under the Government Code.
The bill clarifies that it applies only to excessive emissions events occurring on or after its effective date, with prior events governed by existing law. The act will take effect immediately if it secures a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to enhance local involvement in managing air quality and ensuring that corrective measures are adequately addressed in response to emissions events.
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