Bill Text: TX HB3939 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

Texas House Bill 3939 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating to a study and report on transitioning to underground power lines.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-03-20 - Referred to State Affairs [HB3939 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-HB3939-Introduced.html

	88R13374 KBB-D

	By: Goodwin	H.B. No. 3939



	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to a study and report on transitioning to underground
	power lines.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. In this Act:
	(1) "Commission" means the Public Utility Commission
	of Texas.
	(2) "Study area" means areas of this state that
	experienced more than one power outage caused by a failure of
	overhead power lines during extreme weather events between January
	1, 2018, and September 1, 2023.
	SECTION 2. FINDINGS. The legislature finds that:
	(1) underground power lines are more resistant than
	overhead power lines to extreme weather conditions and reduce the
	number of weather-related power outages; and
	(2) the cost of burying power lines is significant and
	requires further analysis.
	SECTION 3. STUDY. Using existing funds for research and
	development, the commission, in consultation with the Texas
	Division of Emergency Management, shall identify study areas and
	evaluate for those areas:
	(1) the cost of burying existing overhead power lines;
	(2) the cost of maintaining and repairing underground
	power lines;
	(3) potential cost savings associated with reduced
	power outages;
	(4) the effect of burying power lines on the
	environment, such as land use and water quality; and
	(5) the effect of burying power lines on public safety
	and emergency response.
	SECTION 4. REPORT. The commission shall submit a report of
	the results of the study and any recommendations to the governor,
	lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives
	not later than December 31, 2024.
	SECTION 5. EXPIRATION DATE. This Act expires January 31,
	2025.
	SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September
	1, 2023.