Bill Text: TX SB456 | 2011-2012 | 82nd Legislature | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating to state purchasing of certain environmentally friendly items.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-14 - Left pending in committee [SB456 Detail]

Download: Texas-2011-SB456-Introduced.html

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82R618 MTB-F
By: Ellis S.B. No. 456

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to state purchasing of certain environmentally friendly
items.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 2158.301, Government Code, as added by
Chapter 939 (H.B. 3693), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular
Session, 2007, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 2158.301. ENERGY CONSERVATION: APPLIANCES, PRINTERS,
AND PHOTOCOPY MACHINES. (a) Unless the comptroller approves a
written request from a state agency for an exemption from the
requirements of this subsection [If available and cost-effective],
a state agency shall purchase equipment and appliances, including
printers and photocopy machines, for state use that meet or
exceed[:
[(1) the federal energy conservation standards under
Section 325, Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. Section
6295), or a federal regulation adopted under that Act; or
[(2)] the federal Energy Star standards designated by
the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United
States Department of Energy.
(b) A printer or photocopy machine purchased by a state
agency must have duplexing capability and the ability to be
programmed to default to double-sided printing or copying.
(c) A state agency printer or photocopy machine that has
duplexing capability shall be programmed to default to double-sided
printing or copying.
(d) The comptroller shall collect data on appliances
purchased by state agencies and on the energy efficiency of the
appliances.
SECTION 2. Chapter 2158, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter G to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER G. LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
Sec. 2158.351. PURCHASE OF LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT. (a)
Except as provided by Subsection (b), a state agency may not
purchase a lawnmower or other landscaping equipment unless the
lawnmower or equipment is powered by propane or natural gas or is
electrically powered.
(b) The comptroller may exempt from the requirements of this
section a state agency that submits written justification
demonstrating the reasons a propane, natural gas, or electrically
powered lawnmower or other landscaping equipment does not fulfill
the required functionality of a gasoline-powered or diesel-powered
lawnmower or other landscaping equipment.
SECTION 3. Chapter 2166, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter M to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER M. BUILDING ACCESSORIES
Sec. 2166.601. PAINT. A state agency in the executive
branch of state government that owns, operates, maintains, or has
charge and control of a building shall, when feasible, require
paint purchased for a new facility or for a remodel, repair, or
renovation project to be a zero or low volatile organic compound
paint.
Sec. 2166.602. CARPET, CARPET BACKING, AND CARPET TILES. A
state agency that owns, operates, maintains, or has charge and
control of a building shall, when feasible, require carpet, carpet
backing, and carpet tiles purchased for a new facility or for a
remodel, repair, or renovation project to contain postconsumer
recycled content that meets the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green
Label standard.
SECTION 4. Section 2158.301, Government Code, as added by
Chapter 262 (S.B. 12), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular
Session, 2007, is repealed.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.