The Texas House of Representatives recently adopted new legislation that was created to ensure the development of 500 megawatts (MW) of "non-wind" renewable energy, including include biomass, geothermal and hydropower, by 2015.
The legislation, put forth by Representative Wayne Christian, would create a mandatory non-wind goal within the Texas renewable portfolio standard (RPS). Originally adopted in 1999, the Texas RPS is considered one of the most successful of its kind in the nation to stimulate the growth of renewable energy.
Proponents say that if it is signed into law this year, the legislation would:
- Foster reliable and renewable energy sources: biomass, geothermal and hydropower plants are capable of operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Diversify the electricity generation portfolio in Texas and encourage development of new renewable resources throughout the State
- Lower electricity rates for Texas consumers by reducing the reliance on the state's most expensive and inefficient peak power plants
- Improve air and water quality
- Create thousands of high-paying construction and operation jobs
- Encourage economic development that will pump hundreds of millions of dollars into local economies throughout the state
- Reduce the generation of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change
The legislation has enjoyed broad, diverse and overwhelming support and is supported by state environmental organizations, numerous power producers, state and national trade associations, as well as large corporations.
For more information, check out the press release Texas House of Representatives Again Adopts Legislation to Encourage New Renewable Energy Development.
