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HB 368

De-escalation Right To Know Law; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Bell and 5 co-sponsors

HB 368 updates water supply rules for coal-fired power plants, ensuring efficient use and environmental protection, impacting plants, agencies, and local communities.

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Bill Summary · HB 368

Summary of HB 368: Generally Revise Water Supply Requirements for Coal-Fired Generating Units

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 368
Introduced On: December 14, 2024
Status: Chapter Number Assigned (as of June 17, 2025)
Primary Sponsor: Gary Parry
Subject Areas: Energy, Environmental Protection, Water

The purpose of HB 368 is to revise and update the water supply requirements for coal-fired generating units. This legislation aims to address environmental concerns and ensure sustainable water usage in energy production.

Key Provisions

  • Water Supply Regulations: The bill establishes new guidelines for the amount and quality of water that coal-fired power plants must utilize. These regulations are designed to promote efficient water use and minimize environmental impact.
  • Compliance Measures: The bill outlines compliance measures for existing coal-fired generating units, requiring them to adapt to the new standards within a specified timeframe.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: Enhanced monitoring and reporting requirements will be implemented to ensure that coal-fired plants adhere to the revised water supply standards.

Affected Parties

  • Coal-Fired Power Plants: The primary entities impacted by this legislation are coal-fired generating units, which will need to adjust their operations to comply with the new water supply requirements.
  • Environmental Agencies: State and local environmental protection agencies will be responsible for enforcing the new regulations and monitoring compliance.
  • Local Communities: Communities near coal-fired plants may experience changes in water resource management and environmental quality as a result of the bill's implementation.

Legislative Timeline

  • 2025-06-17: Chapter Number Assigned
  • 2025-06-16: Veto Overridden by Legislature
  • 2025-05-16: Vetoed by Governor
  • 2025-05-07: Signed by President and transmitted to Governor
  • 2025-04-15: Returned from Enrolling
  • 2025-03-24: Committee Report - Bill Concurred in Senate Natural Resources
  • 2025-03-04: Bill Passed in House Appropriations
  • 2025-02-25: Bill Passed as Amended in House Natural Resources

Conclusion

HB 368 represents a significant step towards modernizing the operational standards of coal-fired generating units in relation to water supply. By establishing stricter regulations, the bill aims to enhance environmental protection and promote sustainable practices in energy production. The successful passage and implementation of this legislation will require cooperation from power plants, regulatory agencies, and local communities to ensure compliance and achieve the intended environmental benefits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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