This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for the increased value of residential homes resulting from energy efficiency upgrades, such as solar panels or improved insulation. It would authorize the legislature to define eligible improvements and set requirements for the exemption. The amendment requires voter approval in the May 2026 election. If passed, it would enable local governments to reduce property tax assessments for homeowners who install qualifying energy-saving features.
HB 292 regulates the application of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) on non-agricultural land like parks, golf courses, and athletic fields by requiring permits. It mandates detailed quarterly reporting on sludge sources, locations, application dates, and metal content, plus annual compliance verification with nutrient management plans. The bill also requires visible signage at application sites and immediate reporting of violations. These provisions apply to all non-agricultural land applications and specifically target agricultural land in counties with populations between 170,000 and 190,000. The bill does not prohibit biosolids use but establishes strict permitting and transparency requirements.
HB 74 would prohibit Texas local governments (including cities, counties, school districts, and special districts) from using public funds - such as taxes, grants, or donations - to plan, create, or operate most environmental projects. Exceptions include projects required by law, flood control, renewable energy infrastructure for their own facilities, waste management, and energy efficiency improvements at public buildings. The bill defines "environmental project" broadly as efforts to reduce emissions, pollutants, or raise public awareness, but explicitly excludes initiatives like electric vehicle charging stations or vehicle emission reduction programs. This legislation, filed in 2025, would take effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 13 requires Texas cities and counties (political subdivisions) to offer fee credits against water and wastewater impact fees to builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to projects that reduce water use, decrease wastewater infrastructure needs, or lower stormwater demand per service unit, including those exceeding standard efficiency requirements. Political subdivisions must establish fair procedures to calculate, apply, and approve these credits. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 160 prohibits the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to non-agricultural land, such as public parks, golf courses, and athletic fields. It requires permits for any land application of biosolids on non-agricultural sites, with strict conditions including quarterly reporting on sludge source, location, metals content, and application dates. The bill amends Texas Health and Safety Code Section 361.121 to define "land application unit" and adds new reporting requirements for permit holders. It directly affects municipalities, park departments, and private entities managing non-agricultural land where biosolids might otherwise be used. The law does not restrict agricultural land applications, which are addressed in a separate new section (361.1211).
HB 302 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to establish legally enforceable limits for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in the air. It sets a 0.04 parts per million (ppm) maximum for areas used for homes, recreation, business, or shopping, and 0.06 ppm for agricultural or other non-residential areas. The TCEQ must review health studies every five years and adopt these rules by December 1, 2026. This directly affects communities near industrial sources of H₂S emissions, such as oil and gas facilities, by creating specific, measurable air quality standards.
This Texas concurrent resolution (HCR 17) urges the federal government to support the Eastern Mediterranean gas pipeline project, which would connect Israeli natural gas fields to southern Europe via Cyprus and Greece. It specifically requests the U.S. president, Congress, and Texas lawmakers to advocate for the pipeline's construction, noting it was previously supported by both Democratic and Republican administrations. The resolution references the Biden administration's 2022 withdrawal of support due to environmental concerns, while emphasizing natural gas as a "low-emissions fuel" and Israel's offshore reserves. As a procedural resolution - not a binding law - it has no direct effect on policy but serves as a formal request to federal officials.
This Texas House resolution (HR 147) urges the federal government to support the Eastern Mediterranean gas pipeline project, which would connect Israel's offshore natural gas reserves to southern Europe via Cyprus and Greece. It references past bipartisan backing (including from the Biden and Trump administrations) and notes the U.S. withdrew support in 2022 over environmental concerns. The resolution is symbolic - it has no legal force - and requests federal action to restart the $6 billion project, which Texas lawmakers argue would benefit regional energy security and reduce reliance on Russian gas.
HB 317 establishes the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council to study how climate change affects Texas residents' health, safety, and economy. The council, composed of legislative appointees and public members with expertise in climatology, the state economy, land management, and tourism, will assess climate impacts, estimate costs, research solutions for flooding and wildfires, and recommend policies. It must hold public hearings statewide and submit a final report to the legislature by January 1, 2027. The council expires on September 1, 2027, making this a time-limited study with no immediate policy changes. The bill directly affects all Texas residents by directing the council to evaluate climate risks specific to the state.
SB 14 requires local governments in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees for builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities that reduce water use, decrease wastewater treatment needs, lower stormwater demands, or exceed standard efficiency requirements. Local governments must establish fair procedures to calculate and approve these credits. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting developers who invest in qualifying water-saving infrastructure.
