Texas Senate Committee Forsakes Flexibility of Clean Power Plan, Invites Federal Plan

(AUSTIN – May 5, 2015) The Texas Senate Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing today to discuss Senator Kelly Hancock’s (R-North Richland Hills) Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 27, a resolution that would prevent state agencies from developing a compliance plan to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan (CPP), the nation’s first-ever limit on carbon pollution from existing power plants. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) submitted testimony highlighting the inherent flexibility under the CPP for Texas to craft its own tailored plan, lest the federal government implement a plan for the state.  

“SCR 27 is like going into battle with no contingency plan. By hamstringing the PUC and TCEQ from thinking through all potential outcomes that could provide significant benefits to Texas, this resolution puts the state’s economy in jeopardy and the power sector in uncertain territory. Regardless of whether Texas officials agree with the CPP, they should be thinking through every outcome and crafting a plan that makes the most of our natural, low-carbon energy resources. If not, they are inviting EPA to come in and implement a program for us.”

• Kate Zerrenner, Project Manager, Clean Energy