TITLE: Relating to a study of the feasibility of using seawater desalination processes in Texas.

SUMMARY: Relating to a study of the feasibility of using seawater desalination processes in Texas.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a study of the feasibility of using seawater desalination processes in Texas. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "center" means the Texas State University Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. SECTION 2. STUDY. (a) The center shall conduct a study evaluating the ways in which this state can incentivize the creation of seawater desalination plants along the Gulf Coast. (b) In conducting the study, the center shall: (1) research international desalination plants, including plants located in Israel and Australia, and identify best practices used and potential issues encountered by international desalination plants, including any financial barriers to the development and operation of a desalination plant; and (2) include findings on the most environmentally sensitive and cost-effective methods of disposing of brine concentrate, including the potential for using brine concentrate in the production of nuclear energy. SECTION 3. REPORT. Not later than January 1, 2027, the center shall report the results of the study conducted under this Act to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the standing committees of the senate and the house of representatives that have jurisdiction over natural resources. SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires February 1, 2027. SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.