Last Name 1 Student Name Professor Martha Giglio Government 2306 Date Bill Tracking Exercise Information Paper The issue of Global Warming has slowly gained awareness worldwide, and people have started calling for stronger regulations on certain industries, trying to target the main sources of this problem. Among these industries is the automotive business, specifically cars. With the introduction of Senate Bill 26 (SB26), Texas was aiming to better the environment and address this prevailing problem (Estes). I support this Senate Bill in trying to improve the environment for the betterment of not only Texans but the world at large. I believe that this bill should pass under the state’s jurisdiction and I support the way in which the legislature is proposing to act. In order to discuss this bill properly, the origins and development of global warming must be addressed. As described by National Geographic, global warming causes a multitude of issues. Some of them include: glaciers melting, sea leveling rising, cloud forests dying, and wildlife scrambling. This is caused by one important concept, the “greenhouse effect”. Under the greenhouse effect, certain gases are trapped within the atmosphere, causing the Earth to slowly heat up like a convection oven (Richards). These gases or emissions will continually bounce around within our world until they dissipate. To add onto the effects already mentioned by National Geographic, the Natural Resources Defense Council states that the overall warming of the Earth would cause an increase in extreme weather events such as storms, massive heat waves, floods, and droughts. Further, they state that “as temperatures spike, so does the incidence of illness, emergency room visits, and death,” (Denchak). This supports the idea that Last Name 2 global warming is the greatest threat to human health in the current era. Essentially, the Earth is slowly dying and if global warming were to continue, catastrophic consequences would follow for our species as well as other organisms on this planet. That means everyone should be giving a hand in solving the issue we caused; there will be consequences for all of us. With this in mind, we have to act before it is too late. One way of acting is to enact new plans and laws at the state and federal level to address the issue. Along the lines of enacting plans on the state level, according to the Texas Legislature Online website, SB26, which was proposed in the Senate Committee of Natural Resources & Economic Development during the regular session in 2017, is a bill that was aimed at state agencies that had cars running on gasoline as the main mode of transportation (Estes). The main goal of this bill is to establish a plan for decreasing the amount of emissions coming from Texas that would in turn help improve the environment and further enhance the federal Clean Air Act. With the tightening of ...

1. Last Name 1
Student Name
Professor Martha Giglio
Government 2306
Date
Bill Tracking Exercise Information Paper
The issue of Global Warming has slowly gained awareness
worldwide, and people have
started calling for stronger regulations on certain industries,
trying to target the main sources of
this problem. Among these industries is the automotive
business, specifically cars. With the
introduction of Senate Bill 26 (SB26), Texas was aiming to
better the environment and address
this prevailing problem (Estes). I support this Senate Bill in
trying to improve the environment
for the betterment of not only Texans but the world at large. I
believe that this bill should pass
under the state’s jurisdiction and I support the way in which the

2. legislature is proposing to act.
In order to discuss this bill properly, the origins and
development of global warming must
be addressed. As described by National Geographic, global
warming causes a multitude of
issues. Some of them include: glaciers melting, sea leveling
rising, cloud forests dying, and
wildlife scrambling. This is caused by one important concept,
the “greenhouse effect”. Under the
greenhouse effect, certain gases are trapped within the
atmosphere, causing the Earth to slowly
heat up like a convection oven (Richards). These gases or
emissions will continually bounce
around within our world until they dissipate. To add onto the
effects already mentioned by
National Geographic, the Natural Resources Defense Council
states that the overall warming of
the Earth would cause an increase in extreme weather events
such as storms, massive heat
waves, floods, and droughts. Further, they state that “as
temperatures spike, so does the
incidence of illness, emergency room visits, and death,”
(Denchak). This supports the idea that

3. Last Name 2
global warming is the greatest threat to human health in the
current era. Essentially, the Earth is
slowly dying and if global warming were to continue,
catastrophic consequences would follow
for our species as well as other organisms on this planet. That
means everyone should be giving a
hand in solving the issue we caused; there will be consequences
for all of us. With this in mind,
we have to act before it is too late. One way of acting is to
enact new plans and laws at the state
and federal level to address the issue.
Along the lines of enacting plans on the state level, according to
the Texas Legislature
Online website, SB26, which was proposed in the Senate
Committee of Natural Resources &
Economic Development during the regular session in 2017, is a
bill that was aimed at state
agencies that had cars running on gasoline as the main mode of
transportation (Estes). The main
goal of this bill is to establish a plan for decreasing the amount
of emissions coming from Texas

4. that would in turn help improve the environment and further
enhance the federal Clean Air Act.
With the tightening of standards concerning ozone levels by the
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), a federal government department, Texas has to
find a way to comply with the
demands of the federal government. This plan would be
officially called the Texas Emissions
Reduction Plan (TERP). It would start within an area the State
of Texas can control - the state
agencies. Under this plan, the state would implement 14
different programs that would
incentivize all state agencies to start replacing their gas-
powered automobiles with those that
used alternative fuel sources. The proposed sources include, but
are not limited to, natural gas,
petroleum gas, electric, and hydrogen cells. With the creation of
a specific program called
Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program, “[only]
state agencies other than first
responders with more than 15 vehicles purchase alternative fuel
vehicles” are allowed to
Last Name 3

5. participate (Estes). In this sense, the bigger state agencies are
able to receive a bit more help and
therefore would be more likely to change.
Changing the transportation choices of state agencies is not the
only thing that the
proposed plan will do; the plan would also help fund projects
that are aimed at reducing oilfield
emissions through the New Technology Implementation Grant
Program. Also, any funds from
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) that are
leftover or are deemed not
necessary for allocation in other programs can be put into
different programs that will yield
greater results. Finally, school districts can participate in this
reduction plan by eliminating their
old retrofitted buses and buying new ones instead. In essence,
this bill is attempting to reduce
emissions when it comes to state-controlled agencies and
matters (Estes). This is further evident
with the TCEQ’s ability to reallocate resources from less
successful programs to other emissions
reduction programs. This way, the commission could have
control in utilizing resources in the

6. best manner to eliminate needless emissions. With this plan,
Texas is able to effectively and
efficiently answer the problem. This plan may be the first of
many plans that will help maintain
the health of the planet for the entire country and world.
Although the problem of global warming is dangerous for the
human race, and this plan
seems to be an effective step in addressing a contributing cause
of this predicament, there are
opponents to this bill. According to the Texas Legislature
Online website witness list, there are
only two opponents among the 41 proponents of the bill. Some
of the proponents of the bill are
even gasoline-based car manufacturers and oil companies such
as Toyota, Nissan North
America, and BP America. The major opponent of this bill is
Koch Companies. Koch
Companies is known for being a major part of the oil industry in
the South. According to
Nasdaq, although Koch Industries is privately held, some of the
main subsidiaries are involved in
Last Name 4

7. producing fuel, running pipelines, and other energy businesses
(Nasdaq). Energy has a seemingly
small percentage stake within the overall group of companies
controlled by Koch Industries, but
energy can account for a lot of capital. Therefore, Koch is an
opponent against this bill.
When comparing the 41 proponents to the 2 opponents of the
bill, it seems like the bill
may be able to easily get enacted. However, it may not be the
case as Koch Industries has a PAC
called Koch Industries PAC which had donated $75,000 to
Governor Greg Abbot during his
campaign in 2017 (Murphy, Ryan). That means that even if the
bill were to have passed through
both houses, which it did not have the time to, the likelihood of
Abbott signing the bill is lower
due to pressure from his PAC to not do so. They are a big
lobbying group that could pressure
Abbott, forcing him to comply. However, that is but a
hypothetical. In essence, due to the bill
having so much support, it was likely to pass, allowing Texas to
start taking the much-needed
steps to address global warming by reducing emissions.

8. Supporters of the bill might say the bill
must pass in order to help the state continue in a cleaner and
more environmentally-friendly way.
It seems that even an oil company such as BP America agrees
on pushing forward.
This bill passed the Senate Natural Resources and Economic
Development Committee
with a vote of seven ayes and 2 nays and moved to the Senate
floor for a vote. It was approved
on March 14, 2017 and sent to the House of Representatives.
The House Environmental
Regulation Committee unanimously approved the bill and it was
placed on the General State
Calendar on May 23, 2017 (Texas Legislature Online). By the
end of the legislative session, the
bill did not make it any further as there was not enough time in
the session to continue, therefore
the bill was killed off. However, if the bill were to be
reintroduced, the likelihood of it being
passed is pretty high. Even with the major lobbying opponent
being Koch Industries and Abbot
being an unknown factor, the bill can be passed and should be
passed.

9. Last Name 5
Global warming is causing a chain of events that if not stopped
will end the world as it is.
The greenhouse effect will eventually heat the world to the
point where it is uninhabitable by the
animals that we hunt and eat and there will a reduction in crop
output, causing our demise
(Richards). The extra incentive programs will help drive state
agencies to continue changing
their cars to cleaner options (Estes). It may seem tough now
with all state agencies being forced
to change in such a short time, however, the effects of it will
only help Texas industries. By
thinking long term, Texas will continue to flourish. I support
the passage of a bill like SB26
because I believe we need to address contributing factors to
global warming and we need to do it
now.
Last Name 6

10. Works Cited
Denchak, Melissa. “Are the Effects of Global Warming Really
That Bad?” NRDC, Natural
Resources Defense Council, 9 Apr. 2018,
www.nrdc.org/stories/are-effects-global-
warming-really-bad.
Estes, et al. “Texas Legislature Online - SB26.” Texas
Legislature Online , Texas Government,
2017, www.
capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=85R.
“Koch Industries Inc.” Nasdaq, Nasdaq, 31 May 2018,
www.nasdaq.com/quotes/institutional-
portfolio/koch-industries-inc-35664.
Murphy, Ryan, and Jay Root. “Texas Republicans Getting
Almost 90 Percent of Money Flowing
into State Elections.” The Texas Tribune, 19 Feb. 2018,
www.texastribune.org/2018/02/19/texas-republicans-getting-
almost-90-percent-money-
flowing-state-electi/.
Richards, Cory. “What Is Global Warming?” National
Geographic, 30 Jan. 2018,
www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-

11. warming/global-warming-overview/.
Texas Legislature Online - 85(R) History for SB26,
www.capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=85
R&Bill=SB26
Citing Electronic Sources
Sample citations for the Texas Legislature Online (TLO) site
are listed below. How you cite your source(s), will depend on
what you are citing. For information about how to cite your
electronic sources, follow this link to the Purdue OWL MLA.
On the page referenced above, look for “Basic Style for
Citations of Electronic Sources” and “A Page on a Web
Site”.Works Cited
“Texas Legislature Online - 86(R) Bill Stages for HB 3.” Texas
Legislature Online. Texas Government,
www.capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=
86R&Bill=HB3. Accessed 18 April 2019.
Huberty, et al. “Bill Analysis-HB3.” Texas Legislature Online.
Texas Government, 2019,
www.capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/analysis/pdf/HB00003H.pdf
#navpanes=0. Accessed 17 April 2019.
GOVT 2306 Bill Tracking Paper Grading Rubric
Element
Beginning
Developing
Accomplished
Exemplary
Points
Paper Format

12. 1.25 Points
Wrote less than 4 full pages for the body of the paper.
Did not use MLA template or template has more than 4
formatting errors.
2.5 Points
Wrote 3 pages for the body of the paper.
Used MLA template and has less than 4 formatting errors.
3.75 Points
Wrote 3 pages for the body of the paper.
Used MLA template and has less than 2 formatting errors.
5 Points
Wrote 3 pages for the body of the paper.
Used MLA template.
Template has no formatting errors.
5
Control of Syntax & Mechanics
1.25 Points
Student does not use correct grammar, spelling, capitalization,
and punctuation. Multiple errors occur.
2.5 Points
Student assignment contains some incorrect grammar, spelling
punctuation, and capitalization.
3.75 Points
Student assignment contains few instances of incorrect
grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

13. 5 Points
Student uses correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization.
5
Introduction
Context & Purpose
Position
2.5 Points
Specific position is not stated in the introduction.
Omits introductory paragraph.
5 Points
In the introductory paragraph, a specific position is not clearly
stated or the thesis is too simplistic –it is hard to tell what
direction the paper is going.
7.5 Points
In the introductory paragraph the paper overview is clear but it
does not fully take into account complexities of the issues /
topic that will be discussed.
10 Points
In the introductory paragraph, a specific position is stated and
information is given that demonstrates complexities of the
issues have been considered.
10
Paper Contents
Explanation of Issues
Knowledge, Research & Views Included
Content Development

14. Analysis
7.5 Points
A variety of information is not presented or the presentation is
inaccurate.
Few concepts and explanations addressed in a context-rich
manner.
Paper exceeds more than 30% direct quotes.
Topic viewpoints and issues are stated without clarification.
Little analysis to compare and contrast information.
Sources are not used to their full capability and are not placed
in a logical place in the paper to show thorough analysis.
15 Points
A variety of information is presented but presentation is shallow
and simplistic.
Some key concepts and explanations are addressed in a
somewhat organized, context-rich manner.
Paper contains no more than 30% direct quotes.
Topic viewpoints and issues are stated but descriptions are
ambiguous and vague.
Some analysis to compare and contrast source information.
Sources could be used in a more effective manner.
22.5 Points
A variety of information is acknowledged, but details are not
fully presented.
Most key concepts and explanations are addressed in an
organized, context-rich manner.

15. Paper contains no more than 20% direct quotes.
Topic viewpoints and issues are stated and defined so that
understanding is not seriously impeded by omissions.
Adequate analysis to compare and contrast source information.
Sources are properly relied upon, placed, and used.
30 Points
A variety of information is presented accurately with detail.
Key concepts and explanations are addressed in a
comprehensive, organized, context-rich manner.
Paper contains no more than 20% direct quotes.
Topic viewpoints and issues are clearly stated and defined with
all relevant information necessary for full understanding.
Complete analysis to compare and contrast source information.
30
Conclusion
Influence of Context & Assumptions
2.5 Points
Poor summary of information.
Conclusion is inconsistently tied to the information presented.
5 Points
Shallow summary of information.
Conclusion is tied to information but does not show
understanding of material.
7.5 Points
Good summary of information.
Conclusion is logical and related to paper, but is weakly tied to

16. evidence presented in the paper.
10 Points
Excellent summary of information.
Conclusion and related outcomes are logical and reflect
evaluation based on evidence included in the paper.
10
Evidence
References
3.75 Points
Complete, accurate MLA citations for a minimum of 2 sources
that meet assignment criteria.
Less than 70% of the in-text citations are complete.
7.5 Points
Complete, accurate MLA citations for a minimum of 3 sources
that meet assignment criteria.
70% of the in-text citations are complete and accurate.
11.25 Points
Complete, accurate MLA citations for a minimum of 4 sources
that meet assignment criteria.
80% of the in-text citations are complete and accurate.
15 Points
Complete, accurate MLA citations for a minimum of 4 sources
that meet assignment criteria.
All in-text citations are complete and accurate.
15
Total

17. 75
GOVT 2306 Bill Tracking Activity Step 4 - Paper
For this assignment, you will pick and report on one of the
legislative bills from the 86th Texas state legislative session.
You will take a position on whether you support the bill passing
or not. In order to support your position, you will need to
provide information about the proposed legislation. Access
more information about the bills at the Texas Legislature Online
(TLO) site https://capitol.texas.gov /Reports/General.aspx.
When you are looking for information on the TLO website,
make sure that you are looking for your bill in the 86(R)-2019
list. This represents the 86th regular legislative
session.Directions for bill information paper
Length and Style
· Your paper should be in MLA format and double spaced.
· Minimum length is four full written pages and a works cited
page.Sources and Citations:
· You must use at least four (4) credible sources. (Texas
Legislature Online website and your textbook count as sources.
Periodicals count as sources.)
· Wikipedia and Google are NOT sources in and of themselves.
· Include citations for ALL sources you use.
· A separate works cited page MUST be included.
· Short form citations (parenthetical) within the body of the
paper must be included. Submission:
· Your paper must be turned in via eCampus in .doc, .docx, or
.pdf format.
· This assignment must be turned in on time to be eligible for
credit. Rubric
· Your paper will be graded according to the rubric available in
eCampus.
· Please review the rubric and refer to it when writing your
response to make sure you follow directions and receive the

18. maximum points possible.Content
1. Position
Clearly state your position about this bill in both your
introduction and conclusion. Do you support this proposal or
not?
2. Details About the Issue – Use the following prompts to guide
your research and writing. Due to the variety of bills that are
being researched, not all of this information is readily available
about all of the bills. You can add additional information if you
find something interesting and relevant about your particular
bill.
· What will the proposed legislation do?
· Provide some background or history as to why this bill might
have been proposed. Why did this issue rise to the point that it
needed to be proposed as legislation in the Texas state
legislature?
· Explain how this bill relates to larger state or national issues.
· All bills have proponents and opponents. Discuss those who
support the proposal and those who are against it and explain
the positions of the different sides. (Sponsors, special interests,
opponents, etc.)
· What are the political pressures for or against the legislation?
· In class, we identified several court cases that have challenged
Texas laws. Consider the constitutionality of the proposed bill.
If the bill passed, might the state have to defend the resulting
legislation in court? Look the issue up, it might already be
involved in litigation.
3. Details About the Bill Process –
· Provide an overview of the history of the bill from the “Bill
Stages” tab. Where did the bill end in the legislative process by
the time you submit your paper?
· Was there a companion bill introduced in the other chamber?4.
Conclusion

19. · Provide a conclusion that brings together your research to
support your position.