Texas would study climate change impacts through a temporary council

The proposed council would study how climate change affects Texas residents, natural resources, public health, and the economy. The council would include two senators, two house members, and seven public members with listed expertise or industry representation. The lieutenant governor would appoint the senators. The house speaker would appoint the representatives. The lieutenant governor and house speaker would jointly appoint the public members. Public members could receive travel-expense reimbursement as allowed by the state budget law. The lieutenant governor and house speaker would appoint members by March 1, 2026, subject to the Act taking effect.

The council would hold public hearings, research ways to reduce climate-related harm, recommend laws or regulations, and submit a study report to the Legislature. The study would cover flooding, erosion, drought, wildfires, related costs, and other climate change effects on Texas. Environmental-regulation standing committees would provide needed personnel and administrative support. The council would recommend measures to minimize harmful effects, rather than directly impose those measures. Travel reimbursement for public members would depend on the state budget law. The council would submit its report by January 1, 2027, and would be abolished when the Act expires on September 1, 2027.