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Relating to the expedited processing of certain applications for
permits under the Texas Clean Air Act.
No fiscal impact to the state is anticipated.
For the purpose of context we will quote from the author's statement of intent: "Under current law, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is authorized to add a surcharge to an application fee for an expedited application in an amount to cover the expenses incurred for expediting an application. The surcharge may only be used to cover the expenses incurred for overtime or contract labor to process an expedited permit application. TECQ has utilized both contract labor and overtime in an effort to meet the demand for the expedited permit program, but the demand for the program has increased significantly over the past few years, which has resulted in diminishing returns of the utility of the program in its current form."
SB 698 would allow TCEQ to use full-time equivalent employees (FTE) to support the expedited process of air permit applications and to use the application fee surcharge to pay for the FTE labor.
Texas Action is neutral on SB 698 because it does not affect our liberty principles, however this appears to be very reasonable public policy.