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AGENCY Office of the Governor
ISSUE 12/05/2003
ACTION Miscellaneous

Executive Order

RP 29

Relating to the creation of the Texas Energy Planning Council

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has prudently urged adoption of a national energy plan which is important to national energy and economic security; and

WHEREAS, the United States currently imports over 50 percent of the oil we consume and our reliance on foreign sources of oil continues to grow, thus jeopardizing our energy security; and

WHEREAS, state and national trends suggest increasing energy consumption and decreasing domestic production of oil and natural gas; and

WHEREAS, in Texas, we continue to face declining oil and gas production from our peak production period in the early 1970s; and

WHEREAS, Texas still ranks number one among the states in terms of oil and gas production, supplying approximately 20 percent of the nation's domestic oil and 26 percent of the nation's domestic marketed natural gas; and

WHEREAS, our Texas energy industry helps to power a nation, creates jobs and opportunity for Texas families, and provides needed revenues for our Texas economy; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial that we initiate a comprehensive and coordinated effort to ensure our state's future energy security;

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. A Texas Energy Planning Council (the "Council") is hereby created to advise the Governor on a balanced plan to provide the energy needed to fuel Texas' future economic growth and prosperity. The plan should identify gaps between the state's energy supply and energy demand and recommend plans to close or minimize these gaps. The plan should recognize the important contribution of Texas' petroleum and natural gas exploration and production industry and identify ways to keep this industry strong and vibrant as the state begins to transition to the next generation of energy technologies. The Council should explore ways to diversify future energy supplies via liquefied natural gas, nuclear, and clean coal technology as well as through renewable energy sources such as wind power, biomass, and fuel cells. The Council should also explore common sense ways to reduce energy consumption through practical energy conservation measures.

2. Composition and Terms. The Council shall consist of members appointed by the Governor. The Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas shall serve as chair of the Council and have all the authority invested in the chairmanship, including but not limited to calling meetings, setting the agenda, determining witnesses and experts to assist the chairman, and the ability to call on other state officials to assist with the work of the Council. The Governor may fill any vacancy that may occur and may appoint other voting or ex officio, non-voting members as needed. All appointees serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

3. Report. The Council shall submit a full report, including findings and recommendations, to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, no later than December 31, 2004. The Council shall be dissolved upon completion of that report.

4. Meetings. The Council shall meet at times and locations as determined by the chair.

5. Administrative Support. The Railroad Commission of Texas and other appropriate state agencies shall provide administrative support for the Council.

6. Other Provisions. The Council shall adhere to guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Office of the Governor. All Council members shall serve without compensation or reimbursement for travel expenses.

7. Effective Date. This order shall take effect immediately.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders inconsistent with its terms 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 10th day of November, 2003.

Rick Perry, Governor

TRD-200308008



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