The House Committee on Natural Resources

80th Legislature

January 23, 2008

10:00 a.m.

Capitol Extension, E2.012

 

Pursuant to a notice posted on January 8, 2008, the House Committee on Natural Resources met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Puente, at 10:21 a.m.

 

The roll was answered as follows:

 

Present:              Representatives Puente; Gattis; Creighton; Guillen (4).

 

Absent:              Representatives Hamilton; Gallego; Hilderbran; Laubenberg; O'Day (5).

 

Charge #2.  Review and evaluate the regulatory model for investor-owned water and sewer

utilities as provided in the Water Code, especially Chapter 13, and Article 1440a

of the Public Utility Regulatory Act; rate case processes and timing, consultant

fee recovery, and overall cost reductions; and, options for more effective

customer participation. Consider consolidated tariffs for companies owning more

than one system, and review and evaluate methods for financing expansion to new

developments.

 

Testimony was taken.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Gallego now present.)

 

Testimony was taken.  (See attached witness list.)

 

(Representative Hilderbran now present.)

 

Testimony was taken.  (See attached witness list.)

 

Charge #3.  Monitor the implementation of HB 2876, 79th Legislature, Regular Session,

relating to certificates of public convenience and necessity for water service and

sewer service.

 

Testimony was taken.  (See attached witness list.)

 

Charge #8.  Review the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality fee structure for water programs and examine the scope of services being funded by such fees and the

allocation of resources, including personnel to provide services on a timely basis.

 

Testimony was taken.  (See attached witness list.)

 

At 2:07 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

 

 

________________________

Rep. Puente, Chair

 

 

________________________

Hope Wells, Clerk