Renewable Energy in Texas, continued...

Texas has tremendous renewable energy potential. We must ensure that wind power and other renewable energy sources are a part of our future energy mix. In addition, the growth of the renewable energy industry has a demonstrated track record of bringing more jobs to Texas.

Due to its vast size and diverse climate, Texas ranks first in the nation for its renewable energy resources, with a realistic potential to harness its these resources to meet most of the state's energy needs. A recent University of Tennessee Department of Agricultural Economics study shows that Texas will top all states in renewable fuel production and will reap significant economic benefits in the process.

Texas has more renewable energy potential than any other state.

As agriculture and farm producers, transportation providers, electricity providers and consumers look for ways to cope with high, fluctuating energy costs they are also looking at ways that they might generate some of their own power using wind turbines, solar electric generators, anaerobic digesters, biomass energy systems, geothermal systems and biofuels.

The key lies in developing technologies that can tap these resources affordably and reliably as well as setting up a regulatory and incentive structure that makes such investments viable. Such technologies are now commercially available, assisted by the Texas landmark legislation that includes a Renewable Portfolio Standard which has prompted the renewable energy industry to rapidly accelerate its renewable energy production on Texas sites.

Texas is at a crossroads wherein development of vast in-state renewable energy sources, coupled with energy efficiency measures, offer Texans the chance to redirect their focus in order to regain and maintain their energy independence.

For nearly a century, Texas has been a leader in the world's energy industry. Today, Texas has the opportunity to become a leader in the global market for renewables. As the nation's top crude oil producer and one of the major energy production and consumption centers in the world, Texas has an extensive energy infrastructure already in place.

The cost of energy from renewable technologies has steadily declined in the past quarter century. As an example, the cost of wind energy has declined from about 30-45 cents per kilowatt-hour in 1980 to less than 5 cents today. Wind, solar, geothermal and biomass energy production have all seen impressive advancements in technologies with significant drops in cost.

It makes economic sense for Texas to tap into its vast renewable reserves. With new technologies and declining costs, renewable energy sources are becoming more competitive with fossil fuels.