2/27/25
The House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee (HENRC) introduced a committee substitute for HB 394 (CS/HB 394 HENRC) that creates the Clean Energy and Natural Resources Advisory Board (Advisory Board) in the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD). It consists of eleven specified industry experts, including one with expertise in environmental quality and protection and one expert from an Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo, appointed by the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources with the advice and consent of the governor. CS/HB 394 HENRC directs the EMNRD to provide staff for the Advisory Board. The term of a board member is four years with the initial appointments staggered as specified. The secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources appoints the chair of the board and fills any vacancies on the Advisory Board that may occur.  Those members of the board who are not state employees will receive per diem and mileage. 
CS/HB 394 HENRC directs the Advisory Board to meet at least twice a year, once prior to the legislative session; and once, after the legislative session. The Advisory Board will provide expert input and specific advice for implementing and maintaining clean energy in the state to the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources and the secretary’s staff, to the governor and to the appropriate interim committee and to generate an annual report to the secretary and to the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC). CS/HB 394 HENRC empowers the Advisory Board to establish subcommittees if necessary, and to develop bylaws for operating procedures. 
CS/HB 394 HENRC appropriates one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) from the General Fund (GF) to the EMNRD for expenditure for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 to create the Clean Energy and Natural Resources Advisory Board.
Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 2026 reverts to the GF.