TITLE 30.ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Part 1. TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Chapter 11. CONTRACTS

Subchapter A. HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS PROGRAM

30 TAC §11.1

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ, agency, commission) adopts the amendment to §11.1 without change to the proposed text as published in the November 30, 2012, issue of the Texas Register (37 TexReg 9466) and will not be republished.

Background and Summary of the Factual Basis for the Adopted Rule

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (Comptroller) conducted a disparity study in 2009 and as the result of the new study, made revisions to 34 TAC Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter B (Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) rules). These revisions became effective on September 14, 2011. A state agency is required by Texas Government Code, §2161.003 to adopt the HUB rules. TCEQ's current rule adopting the HUB rules by reference refers to a previous version of the rule and does not reflect the current numbering of the rule.

Section Discussion

§11.1, Historically Underutilized Business Program

The commission adopts the amendment to §11.1 to update the reference to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts HUB rules. Should TCEQ not adopt this amended rule, TCEQ's rule will reference outdated HUB rules and incorrect rule numbers.

Final Regulatory Impact Determination

The commission reviewed the adopted amendment in light of the regulatory analysis requirements of Texas Government Code, §2001.0225, and determined that the adopted amendment is not subject to Texas Government Code, §2001.0225, because it does not meet the definition of a "major environmental rule." The intent of the adopted rulemaking is to reflect the current numbering of the Comptroller's HUB rules. The changes are not expressly to protect the environment and reduce risks to human health and environment.

The commission invited public comment regarding the draft regulatory impact analysis determination during the public comment period. No comments were received.

Takings Impact Assessment

The commission evaluated this adopted rule and performed an assessment of whether this adopted amendment constitutes a taking under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2007. The specific purpose of this amendment is to update and correct references to rules. Promulgation and enforcement of this adopted amendment would be neither a statutory nor a constitutional taking of private real property. Specifically, the subject adopted regulations do not affect a landowner's rights in private real property because this rulemaking does not burden (constitutionally); nor restrict or limit the owner's right to property and reduce its value by 25% or more beyond that which would otherwise exist in the absence of the regulations. Therefore, there are no burdens imposed on private real property.

Consistency with the Coastal Management Program

The commission reviewed the adopted rule and found that it is neither identified in Coastal Coordination Act Implementation Rules, 31 TAC §505.11(b)(2) or (4), nor will it affect any action/authorization identified in Coastal Coordination Act Implementation Rules, 31 TAC §505.11(a)(6). Therefore, the adopted rule is not subject to the Texas Coastal Management Program.

The commission invited public comment regarding the consistency with the coastal management program during the public comment period. There were no comments received.

Public Comment

The comment period closed on January 7, 2013. No comments were received.

Statutory Authority

The amendment is adopted under the Texas Water Code, §5.013, Rules, which provides the commission with the authority to adopt rules necessary to carry out its powers and duties under the Texas Water Code and any other laws of the state.

The adopted amendment implements the Texas Comptroller of Public Account's Historically Underutilized Business rules under 34 TAC Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter B, as required by Texas Government Code, §2161.003.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 26, 2013.

TRD-201301666

David Timberger

Director, General Law Division

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Effective date: May 16, 2013

Proposal publication date: November 30, 2012

For further information, please call: (512) 239-0779