HB 3123 Conference Committee Report Defeated, Keeping Railroad Commission Sunset in 2017
June 1, 2015
On the penultimate day of the 84th Texas Legislature, a controversial change to HB 3123, which would have delayed full Sunset Review of the Railroad Commission of Texas until 2023, was defeated in the House by a vote of 90-52. The House agreed...
Cowardly Move to Delay Railroad Commission Sunset Review
June 1, 2015
In a cowardly and secretive act, the conference committee members of HB 3123, led by Sen. Jane Nelson and Rep. Four Price, have added a last-minute Sunset Review provision in the Conference Committee Report that would delay a full-scale review of...
Senators Need to Hear You Support Energy Efficiency and HB 2392
May 27, 2015
A great energy efficiency bill, HB 2392, still has a shot to pass the Senate, but your State Senator needs to hear from you today! The bill would create a revolving loan program for Texas homes and businesses known as "WHEEL" which would be run...
UPDATED: Please Support HB 1579 - “Shark-Finning” Bill
May 27, 2015
UPDATE: HB 1579 passed the Senate this morning 27-4! Thank you to all who supported this bill and urged your elected officials to vote for it!
Take Action to Protect State Parks!
May 23, 2015
Make two quick calls this week: one to your State Senator and one to your State Representative. HB 849, creating two state sales tax-free weekends for firearms and hunting supplies, must be stopped in the Senate Finance Committee. SB 228, creating...
Update Statement of Ken Kramer, Sierra Club Water Resources Chair, on Actions to Resurrect Water Gridzilla
May 22, 2015
On the House floor today, the state water grid amendment by Rep. Lyle Larson of San Antonio was stripped off an unrelated water bill, SB 1301, under threat of a point of order that could have killed the bill itself. In response to this development,...
The Lone Star Sierran - May 2015
May 22, 2015
Last Minute Shenanigans at the Capitol, Abbott Gets Cool Reception in Denton, and Much More
Lege Update - May 2015 - Them Dying Days... Senate and House Close in on Agreement on Tax Plan, Budget
May 22, 2015
In brief, parks do well, TERP and extra inspectors for oil and gas still short-changed, and other bills face uncertain future.
Statement of Ken Kramer, Water Resources Chair on Last Minute Maneuver to Resurrect Water Gridzilla
May 21, 2015
On the House floor today, legislation to evaluate a so-called state water grid was resuscitated as an amendment to an unrelated water bill, SB 1301.
In response to this development, Ken Kramer, Water Resources Chair of Sierra Club’s Lone Star...
Report: Austin, Houston Most Energy Efficient Cities in Texas
May 21, 2015
In a national report released this week, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ranked the top 51 cities in the United States for policies and programs designed to save energy – including in some cases water and gas. Five Texas...