Texas has long been a world energy leader, and Texas can continue that leadership in a transition to clean, abundant energy as we tap our wealth of solar, wind and geothermal resources. Democrats want what most Texans want for their energy future: a safe, secure, and sustainable supply of clean, affordable energy. We support increased development of renewable energy technologies that spur the economy, protect the environment, create high-paying jobs, and reduce reliance and dependence on foreign oil. We support:
- a goal of 5000 MW of nonpolluting renewable non-wind energy by 2025, which will help spur develop solar and geothermal resources;
- the development and use of energy storage technologies to maximize the availability of energy produced by renewable resources;
- Sales tax exemptions and other incentives for Texas homeowners and businesses to “go solar” and to allow solar system owners to get credit on electric bills for extra energy such systems produce;
- the development of Texas’ abundant and low carbon footprint natural gas resources with environment-compatible technologies in the transition period from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources;
- the utilization of Texas’ unique facilities and resources, including use of solar and wind combinations with storage and natural gas to create base-load electricity;
- further development of the many energy storage technologies;
- the reduction and remediation of all forms of pollution from power generation;
- energy efficiency standards that encourage the wise use of energy in our homes, offices, and commercial facilities in the place of incentives that encourage inefficiency;
- transportation policy that encourages the development of affordable, fuel efficient vehicles that can run on alternative fuels;
- reduced reliance on coal-fired plants in order to protect health and reduce pollution
- serious re-examination of the environmental and economic benefits of corn-based ethanol, which studies suggest contributes to pollution and global climate change more than it reduces it, and has caused the global food prices to rise dramatically;
- creating a state panel on global climate change, including all stakeholders, that recognizes this real and serious threat and recommends a statewide energy policy that will spur economic development and reduce carbon emissions in Texas by at least 80% by 2050, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
- utilization of natural geothermal sources for commercial and industrial applications;
- incentives for wind generated electricity;
- removing local legal and architectural restrictions that inhibit using alternative energy sources;
- develop green building policies by utilizing federal and other incentives and strengthening building codes;
- ensuring the availability of affordable energy to protect the health and safety of seniors and others on fixed incomes;
- immediate funding for research to develop new CAFE standards at 50 MPG;
- incentives for homeowners, businesses and state institutions for investment in energy savings initiatives and for using clean and renewable sources of energy;
- encouraging all nations to use the best available technologies to develop clean and domestic energy resources to meet their domestic demand; and
- state minimum standard distances as a requirement for oil & gas wells, collection, and condensate tanks in relation to schools, hospitals, parks, and other vulnerable community locations.