CHP Policy and Regulation
In 2009, the Texas CHP Initiative adopted a Legislative Action Plan to address CHP for Energy Security in Public Facilities in Texas, and it was successful in the 2009 Legislative Session.
Governor Perry signed two bills in 2009 that contain CHP Energy Security language. There is a requirement for an engineering evaluation of CHP in certain new and renovated governmental critical infrastructure facilities. While the law is non-prescriptive, and it opens the door for increased deployment of CHP and related technologies.
Download and read the CHP section. (See p. 25 of HB 1831 or p. 4 of HB 4409.)
Passage of any legislation required working with government officials to raise awareness and educate about public policies, laws and practices that affect CHP projects. In the past, it was not normal practice to evaluate CHP! That has changed. Texas Legislators now have a good understanding of the barriers to CHP that result in wasted energy, poor air quality, lost business opportunities and missed opportunities for energy security in critical infrastructure facilities.
Members of the Texas CHP Initiative should visit their Texas State Representatives and Senators when they visit Austin or visit them locally. Many legislators are hungry for information about energy security in critical infrastructure facilities, the jobs associated with clean energy, and the role of energy efficiency and sustainability to protect the environment.
Do you know your elected representatives? Go to: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/ for more information. Attend local town hall meetings with your Representative and Senator.
The Texas CHP Initiative adopted a legislative agenda with the following elements for the 2009 session of the Texas Legislature:
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CHP Standard (e.g., a portfolio standard or a standard offer program) to promote the energy efficiency available through CHP
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Clean air policies that properly capture the benefits of EE/CHP
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Statewide CHP for critical infrastructure: life support, food, shelter, communications
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Consumer awareness and education
A copy of the two-page TXCHPI Information Sheet that sets forth the Legislative Agenda may be downloaded as a PDF (updated May, 2008).
The next session of the Texas Legislature will begin in January 2011.
TXCHPI provides CHP information upon request to state agencies and organizations.
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