HB5482 - Relating to renewable energy generation and energy storage facilities.

      By: Patterson H.B. No. 5482       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to renewable energy generation and energy storage   facilities.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 35, Utilities Code, is amended by adding   subchapter F to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER F. RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION AND STORAGE FACILITY   APPROVAL           Sec. 35.201.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                 (1)  "Renewable energy generation facility" means:                       (A)     a wind power facility as defined by Section   301.0001; or                       (B)     a solar power facility as defined by Section   302.0001.                 (2)     "Energy storage facility" means a battery energy   storage resource.           Sec.   35.202.     APPLICATION. (a) On or before September 1,   2026, the commission shall establish a rule to create a process for   renewable energy generation facility or energy storage facility   applications and for the provision of public notice of the   application to state agencies, local landowners, and county and   municipal officials.           (b)     A renewable energy generation facility or energy   storage facility may not interconnect to the ERCOT electric grid   without one of the following:                 (1)     the renewable energy generation facility or energy   storage facility obtains approval by the commission under this   subchapter; or                 (2)     the commission by order approves the   interconnection of the renewable energy generation facility or   energy storage facility.           (c)     The commission shall approve, deny, or approve with   conditions each application for interconnection of a renewable   energy generation facility or energy storage facility through a   contested case proceeding on a nondiscriminatory basis after   considering:                 (1)     existing renewable energy generation facilities   in the area;                 (2)  existing agricultural and recreational land uses;                 (3)  environmental and species impact;                 (4)  historical and aesthetic values;                 (5)     appropriate setbacks from existing development;   and                 (6)  any other factor the commission deems appropriate.           (d)     An application submitted under this section must   include:                 (1)     any recommendations provided by the Texas   Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Parks and   Wildlife Department;                 (2)     a plan of action for responding to state agency   recommendations prior to and during construction; and                 (3)     for battery energy storage facilities, a fire   mitigation plan that provides for:                       (A)  emergency vehicle access;                       (B)  fire mitigation procedures; and                       (C)  ingress and egress plans during a fire event.           Sec.   35.203.     DEADLINE FOR DECISION.   The commission must   approve, deny, or approve with conditions an application not later   than the 180th day after the date the application is filed or it is   deemed approved.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.