Lara Keel Texas Lobbyist News Update: Texas Lobbyist News: Texas Interim Committee Studies Posted
The following information is public record and is being posted by Lara Keel and the Texas Lobby Group as a public service for Texas Lobbyists, Texas Political Advisors and Consultants, Government Officials, and other interested political parties.
June 27, 2012 – 09:00 AM
Capitol Extension Bldg., Room E1.030, Austin
The House Committee on Natural Resources will meet in a joint public hearing with the House Committee on Energy Resources. The Committees will meet to discuss the following: Interim Charge Number 2 relating to the examination of the interplay of water and energy resources and needs in the state. Study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of water use in energy production and exploration, including the impacts of this use on regional and state water planning. Determine the current and likely future water needs of power generation and energy production, and evaluate options to develop new or alternative supplies. Include an evaluation of current issues involving water use for oil and gas production and related water quality issues. The Committee will hear invited testimony only. The Agenda will be available at the hearing.
Additional Information Contact: Rep. Allan Ritter, 512/463-0706
House Committee on Natural Resources *
June 28, 2012 – 09:00 AM
Capitol Extension Bldg., Room E1.030, Austin
Committee will meet to discuss the following: Interim Charge Number 2 relating to the examination of the interplay of water and energy resources and needs in the state. Study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of water use in energy production and exploration, including the impacts of this use on regional and state water planning. Determine the current and likely future water needs of power generation and energy production, and evaluate options to develop new or alternative supplies. Include an evaluation of current issues involving water use for oil and gas production and related water quality issues. The Committee will hear invited testimony only. The Agenda will be available at the hearing.
Additional Information Contact: Rep. Allan Ritter, 512/463-0706
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce *
July 10, 2012 – 10:00 AM
Capitol Extension Bldg., Room E1.016, Austin
The Senate Committee on Business & Commerce will meet at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 in Room E1.016 of the Texas Capitol Extension. The Committee will: – Receive quarterly updates from selected state agencies and entities; – Take invited and public testimony on the interim study charge “Study the relationship between city governments and municipally -owned utilities, including any duplicative or redundant functions, the amounts and justifications required for transfer payments between the entities, and the benefits and disadvantages of alternative governance structures.” – Take invited and public testimony on the interim study charge “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.” – Take invited and public testimony on the interim study charge “Conduct a broad review of the Texas homeowners insurance market and make recommendations to improve transparency and consumer education, ensure fair practices, and lower rates. Specifically, consider the following: Compare Texas’ homeowners insurance premiums with those of other states and identify the factors underlying Texas’ premium levels and recommend steps that the Legislature may take to reduce homeowners’ rates, if appropriate; Study strategies that increase awareness of state insurance resources to help consumers compare rates and coverage among various insurance providers; Study the relationship between insurance premiums and construction costs, especially as associated with recovery from natural disasters, to ensure that consumers are treated fairly; Review the use by insurers, in rating and underwriting decisions, of customer inquiries regarding the general terms or conditions of, or coverage offered under, an insurance policy.” Witnesses: please provide testimony and exhibits in electronic format as soon as possible, preferably no later than Thursday before the hearing to allow time for posting online. All witnesses are requested to limit oral remarks to three minutes and are welcome to submit written testimony of any length and content, electronic format preferred.
Monitor the hearing by watching the live stream at http://www. senate.state.tx.us/bin/live.php<http://senate.state.tx.us/bin/live.php> and reading the testimony at http://bandc.posterous.com/. Receive updates during the hearing on that site or by following the @txlegebc twitter account. Provide feedback on Twitter using the hashtag #txlegebc Please feel free to contact the Committee office at bc@senate. state.tx.us<http://state.tx.us> and view related information at http://BandC. posterous.com<http://posterous.com>.
Additional Information Contact: Sen. John Carona, 512/463-0116