HB1897 - Relating to requirements for the approval by the Public Utility Commission of Texas of certain coastal facilities for the provision of electric service.

  89R5773 JXC-F     By: Patterson H.B. No. 1897       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to requirements for the approval by the Public Utility   Commission of Texas of certain coastal facilities for the provision   of electric service.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 37, Utilities Code, is   amended by adding Section 37.0561 to read as follows:           Sec.   37.0561.     COASTAL WIND POWER FACILITY. (a)   In this   section, "wind power facility" includes:                 (1)  a wind turbine generator; and                 (2)     a facility or equipment used to support the   operation of a wind turbine generator, including an electrical   transmission or communications line, an electric transformer, a   battery storage facility, an energy storage facility, or   telecommunications equipment.           (b)     In addition to any applicable requirements of Section   33.2053(b), Natural Resources Code, the commission shall comply   with the requirements of this section when considering an   application for a certificate of convenience and necessity related   to installing or operating:                 (1)     a wind power facility located in the area in the   Gulf of Mexico seaward of the coast that is within three marine   leagues of the coast, as set under Section 11.0111, Natural   Resources Code; or                 (2)     a transmission or distribution facility that   directly interconnects to a wind power facility located in the area   in the Gulf of Mexico seaward of the coast that is within three   marine leagues of the coast, as set under Section 11.0111, Natural   Resources Code.           (c)     The commission may not grant a certificate described by   Subsection (b) if the commission finds that:                 (1)     the wind power facility or interconnected   transmission facility:                       (A)     may negatively affect established industries   or community values based on established industries, including:                             (i)  shipping routes;                             (ii)  general tourism; or                             (iii)  recreational and commercial fishing;                       (B)     may negatively affect the environment, such   as by negatively affecting the general welfare of wildlife or   disrupting migratory patterns; or                       (C)     may create risks for the safety of coastal   residents, industries, or wildlife due to the facility's location   in an area historically susceptible to natural disasters; or                 (2)     the public convenience and necessity does not   require and will not require the installation or operation of the   facility because electricity service is adequate in the areas that   would be served by the facility.          SECTION 2.  This Act applies only to an application for a   certificate of convenience and necessity for which the Public   Utility Commission of Texas has not issued a final order before the   effective date of this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.