Villarreal Files Energy Efficiency Legislative Package

Friday, March 6, 2009

Proposals Would Protect Our Air and Yield Savings for Taxpayers

Austin - Today Rep. Mike Villarreal announced a package of legislation that he has filed to promote energy efficiency in the state. 
 
"This legislation reduces air pollution that threatens our families' health and contributes to global warming. It would also save money for homeowners and taxpayers by reducing energy costs," explained Rep. Villarreal.  "These bills are a win-win-win for our health, environment and family budgets."
 
The legislative package includes the following:
 
Assisting Homeowners to improve energy efficiency
 
  • HB 1936 would authorize cities to establish a property tax exemption for homestead residences that meet a high standard of energy efficiency. The exemption would promote efficiency and assist homeowners in paying the cost of the upgrades.
 
  • HB 1937 would allow cities to establish a system by which homeowners could finance the cost of energy efficiency or renewable energy home upgrades through their property tax bills. The bill would provide a solution for homeowners who want to invest in making their homes more efficient but cannot afford the upfront costs.
 
  • HB 2338 would allow Texans to apply for a refund on the sales tax they pay for remodeling and repair of property that results in an Energy Star designation for the facility or a 25 percent reduction in energy consumption. Speaker of the House Joe Straus has filed identical legislation.
 
Encouraging Texas government to “go green”
 
  • HB 1469 would allow lawmakers to take a look at the impacts that proposed legislation would have on the air we breathe. It requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to produce a carbon impact statement for all proposed legislation.
 
  • HB 2337 would increase state funding for school construction projects that comply with green building standards. The guaranteed yield under the Existing Debt Allotment would rise from $35 to $37 for qualified projects.
 
  • HB 657 would promote the use of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles by state agencies. Under the legislation, 50 percent of state agencies’ new vehicles would have to be hybrids.
 
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