TITLE: Relating to state purchasing of certain environmentally friendly items.

SUMMARY: Relating to state purchasing of certain environmentally friendly items.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to state purchasing of certain environmentally friendly items. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 2158.301, Government Code, as added by Chapter 939 (H.B. 3693), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 2158.301. ENERGY CONSERVATION:APPLIANCES, PRINTERS, AND PHOTOCOPY MACHINES.(a) Unless the comptroller approves a written request from a state agency for an exemption from the requirements of this subsection [If available and cost-effective],a state agency shall purchase equipment and appliances,including printers and photocopy machines, for state use that meet or exceed [: [(1) the federal energy conservation standards under Section 325, Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. Section 6295), or a federal regulation adopted under that Act; or [(2)] the federal Energy Star standards designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy. (b) A printer or photocopy machine purchased by a state agency must have duplexing capability and the ability to be programmed to default to double-sided printing or copying. (c) A state agency printer or photocopy machine that has duplexing capability shall be programmed to default to double-sided printing or copying. (d) The comptroller shall collect data on appliances purchased by state agencies and on the energy efficiency of the appliances. SECTION 2. Chapter 2158, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Gto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER G. LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT Sec. 2158.351. PURCHASE OF LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a state agency may not purchase a lawnmower or other landscaping equipment unless the lawnmower or equipment is powered by propane or natural gas or is electrically powered. (b) The comptroller may exempt from the requirements of this section a state agency that submits written justification demonstrating the reasons a propane, natural gas, or electrically powered lawnmower or other landscaping equipment does not fulfill the required functionality of a gasoline-powered or diesel-powered lawnmower or other landscaping equipment. SECTION 3. Chapter 2166, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Mto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER M. BUILDING ACCESSORIES Sec. 2166.601. PAINT. A state agency in the executive branch of state government that owns, operates, maintains, or has charge and control of a building shall, when feasible, require paint purchased for a new facility or for a remodel, repair, or renovation project to be a zero or low volatile organic compound paint. Sec. 2166.602. CARPET, CARPET BACKING, AND CARPET TILES. A state agency that owns, operates, maintains, or has charge and control of a building shall, when feasible, require carpet, carpet backing, and carpet tiles purchased for a new facility or for a remodel, repair, or renovation project to contain postconsumer recycled content that meets the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label standard. SECTION 4. Section 2158.301, Government Code, as added by Chapter 262 (S.B. 12), Acts of the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, is repealed. SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.