CHAPTER 490E. TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 4. EXECUTIVE BRANCH
SUBTITLE F. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 490E. TASK FORCE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ENDANGERED
SPECIES
Sec. 490E.001. PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to
establish a mechanism for state agencies to provide policy and
technical assistance regarding compliance with endangered species
laws and regulations to local and regional governmental entities
and their communities engaged in economic development activities
so that compliance with endangered species laws and regulations
is as effective and cost efficient as possible.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
886, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 490E.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Endangered species" has the meaning assigned by Section
68.002, Parks and Wildlife Code.
(2) "Task force" means the interagency task force on economic
growth and endangered species created under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
886, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 490E.003. CREATION. (a) The task force on economic growth
and endangered species is created and is composed of:
(1) the comptroller;
(2) the commissioner of agriculture;
(3) the executive director of the Parks and Wildlife Department;
(4) the executive director of the Texas Department of
Transportation; and
(5) the executive director of the State Soil and Water
Conservation Board.
(b) The comptroller is the presiding officer of the task force.
(c) The task force shall meet as often as necessary to fulfill
its duties under this chapter.
(d) New members may be added to the task force by the unanimous
consent of the existing members.
(e) A member of the task force may designate another person to
act on the member's behalf.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
886, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 490E.004. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES. (a) The task force may:
(1) assess the economic impact on the state of federal, state,
or local regulations relating to endangered species;
(2) assist landowners and other persons in this state to
identify, evaluate, and implement cost-efficient strategies for
mitigation of impacts to and recovery of endangered species that
will promote economic growth and development in this state; and
(3) facilitate state and local governmental efforts to
effectively implement endangered species regulations in a
cost-efficient manner.
(b) If requested by a local government or a state official, the
task force may review state and local governmental efforts to
address endangered species issues and provide recommendations to
make those efforts more cost effective. The task force shall
consider all available options as part of its recommendations.
The options considered must include:
(1) fee simple acquisition of land;
(2) conservation easements;
(3) use of land owned by local governments or this state;
(4) recovery crediting; and
(5) all relevant federal programs.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
886, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 490E.005. ADVISORY COMMITTEES. (a) With the advice of the
task force, the comptroller may create advisory committees to
assist the task force with its work. Of the members of an
advisory committee:
(1) one-third must be representatives of affected landowners;
(2) one-third must be representatives of conservation interests;
and
(3) one-third must be representatives of municipalities or other
affected jurisdictions.
(b) The composition of an advisory committee must provide the
balance necessary to address economic, environmental, and policy
issues related to the specific issue or action under
consideration.
(c) The comptroller shall designate one member of an advisory
committee as interim presiding officer for the purpose of calling
and conducting the initial meeting of the committee.
(d) An advisory committee shall:
(1) at its initial meeting, select a presiding officer from
among its members for the purpose of conducting meetings;
(2) conduct meetings as necessary to perform the business of the
advisory committee; and
(3) provide recommendations to the task force as requested by
the task force.
(e) Chapter 2110 does not apply to the size, composition, or
duration of an advisory committee created under this section.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
886, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 490E.006. COORDINATION WITH OTHER ENTITIES. (a) The task
force shall work in coordination with the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service, institutions of higher education, and
agriculture and conservation organizations in performing its
functions and duties.
(b) The Texas A&M University System shall, within its
expertise:
(1) assist in the analysis of biological and economic impacts of
proposed actions; and
(2) direct programs recommended by the task force.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
886, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 490E.007. REPORTS. The task force may provide reports as
needed on:
(1) innovative programs to address endangered species issues
while promoting economic growth;
(2) the activities of the task force; and
(3) recommendations for future programs or legislation.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
886, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Sec. 490E.008. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. The comptroller's office
shall provide administrative support to the task force.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
886, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.