Executive Order RP21 - December 19, 2002

by the
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
Executive Department
Austin, Texas
December 19, 2002

WHEREAS, the continued strength of the Texas economy is highly dependent upon the availability of reliable, low-cost electric power; and

WHEREAS, the diversity of fuel used to generate electricity is a significant factor in providing reliable and affordable energy to residents of this state; and

WHEREAS, coal is an important fuel source for keeping the price of electricity low in this state and the price of electricity generated with coal has remained relatively unchanged over the past 20 years; and

WHEREAS, evaluation of the environmental effectiveness and economic viability of new emissions reduction technologies that protect or improve air quality is necessary to protect the environment and the public health, safety, and welfare of all Texans; and

WHEREAS, the continued recovery and use of coal resources are important to the economy of this state; and

WHEREAS, advancements in clean coal technology may demonstrate that electricity from coal can be produced in a more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly manner;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Perry, Governor of the State of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, do hereby order the following:

1. Creation and Duties. The Governor’s Clean Coal Technology Council, (“the Council”), is hereby created. The Council shall advise the Governor concerning the feasibility of developing clean coal technologies in Texas, including their potential to:

• Preserve fuel diversity and maintain reliable, low-cost sources of electric power;
• Reduce the emissions from existing coal-fired electric generation; and
• Increase the efficiency of coal-fired electric generation.

The Council shall study these matters and seek to identify new, cleaner coal-fired electric generation technologies that may be used to provide new generation capacity. The Council’s study and evaluation of clean coal technologies in Texas may include assessment pilot projects as a means to evaluate such technologies, appraise their economics, assess the environmental benefits, or determine the importance of clean coal technologies to energy policy.

2. Composition and Terms. The Council will consists of members appointed by the Governor, who will designate one member to serve as chair and one member to serve as vice-chair.
The Governor may fill any vacancy that may occur and may appoint other voting or ex-officio, non-voting members as needed.

Any state or local officers or employees appointed to serve on the Council shall do so in addition to the regular duties of their respective office or position.

All appointees serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

3. Coordination. The Council shall take into consideration any clean coal technology efforts by public and private entities. The Council shall stay apprised of emissions reduction technology efforts conducted by state agencies and universities.

4. Meetings. Subject to approval of the Governor, the Council shall meet at times and locations determined by the chair.

5. Administrative Support. The Office of the Governor and other appropriate state agencies and state universities shall provide administrative support for the Council.

6. Report. The Council shall make regular reports to the Governor.

7. Other Provisions. The Council shall adhere to guidelines and procedures provided by the Office of the Governor. All members of the Council shall serve without compensation. Necessary expenses may be reimbursed when such expenses are in direct performance of official duties of the Council.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders and shall remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding Governor.

Given under my hand this the 19th day of December, 2002.

RICK PERRY
Governor

Attested:
GWYN SHEA
Secretary of State

Filed in the office of the Secretary of State