Issue Position: Our Energy Economy

Issue Position

Representative Wu was proud to represent the Greater Houston area as the only member of the delegation appointed to the House Energy Resources Committee:

"Energy production is vital to our state; it is now already 30% of our state's economy. I want to make sure that our energy sector and local economy continues to grow and provide good jobs for Texans in the most responsible way possible."

Part of this plan is making sure that we are using safe, energy efficient measures. Representative Wu authored HB 1864, expanding the opportunities for critical government buildings to upgrade or install CHP (combined heat and power), an on-site energy system that is essentially immune from grid power outages and natural disasters, and is environmentally responsible.

Wu authored HB 1863, which addresses pipeline safety standards and establishes that safety measures in Texas are in line with federal law. Failing to address this issue would have jeopardized federal money for the Texas pipeline safety program.

Wu also authored HB 2406, allowing a common carrier to operate a saltwater pipeline in a right-of-way. This legislation will reduces the number of heavy trucks on the road, which wear down our congested county roads. The expanded use of saltwater pipelines will alleviate costs to the state and local governments by minimizing the need for overweight trucks.

Related Legislation

HB 1863 -- increasing the maximum amount of a civil penalty for a violation of oil and gas provisions relating to safety or to the prevention or control of pollution.
HB 1864-- increased opportunities for critical government buildings to upgrade or install CHP (combined heat and power).
HB 2406 -- the installation, maintenance, operation, and relocation of saltwater pipeline facilities.

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