Marked Agenda
Commissioners' Work Session
Thursday, September 12, 1996
1:30 p.m.
Room 201S, Building E, Park 35, Austin

Old Business

Item 1 continued from the August 29th Commissioners' Work Session

  1. Discussion and possible action on legislative or proposed legislative issues affecting the Commission. The Commissioners chose not to discuss this item at this time.

New Business

  1. Consideration of the Commissioners' priorities on rule and policy development. The Commissioners took this item up as part of new business item #5.

  2. Consideration of issues related to the drought. Dan Wittliff and John Hofmann provided the Commissioners with an update on the status of various drought-relief initiatives undertaken by the agency. The Commissioners authorized staff to issue a press release regarding what the agency has done on this item to date. Staff will return to a regular agenda meeting for permanent rulemaking on the issue of reclaimed water reuse. The General Counsel will discuss with staff the necessity of emergency rulemaking for the suspension of permit conditions and the control of dust emissions.

  3. Consideration of the proposed Operating Policy and Procedure (OPP) on developing or revising agency rules. Bill Campbell presented the issue. Chairman McBee moved to accept the new OPP. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Baker and passed. (Due to a previous commitment, Commissioner Marquez was not in attendance.)

  4. Consideration of staff recommendations regarding agency funding levels and funding options. Bill Campbell, Sally Gutierrez, Joe Vogel, Bill Briggs, and Steve Minick presented the issue. The Commissioners invited public comment on this item and received input from the following individuals: Joe Allen (Vinson and Elkins/Association of Water Board Directors), Monte Akers (Texas Municipal League), Mary Miksa (Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce), and Cindy Morphew (Texas Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association). The Commissioners did not express any strong objections to the options discussed and directed staff to proceed with the submittal of options to the House Joint Interim Committee on TNRCC Funding. Chairman McBee asked that an executive summary be included as part of the agency's recommendations. This summary should mention that the Commission supports spreading the cost of environmental protection across as broad a base as possible.

  5. Planning for the next Commissioners' Work Session. The next Work Session is scheduled for Thursday, September 26th, at 1:30 p.m. in E-201S. The following issues are scheduled to be discussed: the national estuary programs, early action incentives for cleanups, agency reporting requirements, and the proposed "Regulatory Reform Rule Drafting Standards."