By: Troxclair H.B. No. 5572       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to 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. ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY APPROVAL          Sec. 35.201.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "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   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)  An energy storage facility may not interconnect to the   ERCOT electric grid without one of the following:                (1)  the energy storage facility obtains approval by   the commission under this subchapter; or                (2)  the commission by order approves the   interconnection of the energy storage facility.          (c)  The commission shall approve, deny, or approve with   conditions each application for interconnection of an 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)  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.