85R11897 GRM-F By: Farrar H.B. No. 4217 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to energy resources planning for electric generation in ERCOT. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 39, Utilities Code, is amended by adding Section 39.004 to read as follows: Sec. 39.004. TEXAS ENERGY PLAN. (a) In consultation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Railroad Commission of Texas, the independent organization certified under Section 39.151, the Texas Water Development Board, and representatives of the academic community involved with state university energy programs, the commission shall develop a plan to maximize the use of energy resources of this state for the generation of electricity in the ERCOT region. (b) The plan must: (1) recognize and encourage the competitive market structure in ERCOT; (2) encourage investments in energy resources and development of jobs in this state; (3) encourage the development of a diverse portfolio of clean, reliable, and competitively priced energy sources in this state; (4) promote research, pilot projects, and market-based incentives to explore and expand long-term energy options; and (5) account for the statewide and regional water planning process and means to reduce the use of water resources in electric generation. (c) The agencies and entities identified by Subsection (a) shall use existing available resources to develop the plan. (d) The commission shall submit the plan to the legislature not later than December 31, 2018. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2017.