By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
An "achievable, measured approach" to increasing Texas' renewable energy sources was announced today by Sen. Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) and Victor Carrillo, chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission and the Texas Energy Planning Council (TEPC).
Fraser announced the filing of his SB 533, which seeks to implement key recommendations of the TEPC and provides for an "enhanced renewable portfolio."
"We believe we need a very diverse energy portfolio in Texas," said Fraser, one that will help relieve the state's dependence on foreign fuel. He said that with the fluctuation of oil prices, the state is finding wind power to be a "competitive alternative" to the generation of electricity through fossil fuels.
Among the recommendations of the TEPC, said Fraser, is the proposal that an additional 5,000 MW of renewable energy be installed in the state by 2015, with 500 of those MW through a renewable source other than wind. It also seeks a 2025 goal of 10,000 total MW of generating capacity from renewable sources. And finally, the bill instructs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to identify wind zones in Texas where wind turbans will be most effective.
In addition to the use of wind as a renewable energy source for Texas, Carrillo said the TEPC also studied the use of other sources, such as biomass and solar energy, hoping they will play an increasing and important role "in supplying our growing energy needs in the 21st Century."
The Railroad Commission chair said Texas' energy needs are likely to increase by 30 percent through 2025. With a domestic energy supply that is "flat at best and declining," he said, it is clear that the state will need to diversify its energy sources and supplies to fuel that continued growth and demand.
While Carrillo expects Texas to continue to be the "premier energy state in the nation," he said goals for Texas energy production include the use of liquid gas, clean coal and an emphasis on efficiency and conservation.
The state has a "tremendous renewable energy potential," said Carrillo, and is blessed with many "prolific" wind areas throughout the state. There is abundant sunshine and biomass - from ag and timber waste - that can be converted to energy, he said. All are environmentally friendly and "indeed renewable." Carrillo said the use of renewable energy sources also will have a positive impact on the state's economy, particularly in rural areas of the state.
"Over the long term, diversifying our energy sources will help to stabilize energy prices," said Carrillo, but renewable energy does have its challenges - including the need for more transmission infrastructure to get the energy to the market. But he said the benefits are worth the costs.
Texas ranks second only to California in wind power capacity, said Carrillo, and only because California has "been at it longer." He said increasing Texas renewable energy sources "solidifies our position as the nation's energy capital."
Carrillo testified last week before a Congressional hearing in Washington, D.C., in favor of a national energy policy. He said a portion of the proposed legislation on the federal level encourages national renewable energy development and has broad, bipartisan support. "My hope is this bill from Sen. Fraser will also share broad, bipartisan support in Texas," he said.
Fraser's bill includes only one element of the TEPC recommendations, said Carrillo, but he added that it is an "important one" that provides for a "balanced and measured approach" to lay a foundation for a "secure, stable source of energy for years to come."
Fraser said his legislation is aimed at setting a goal to increase renewable energy sources and generation to allow the state to move to more energy independence, while maintaining reliability. He noted that there will be periods in Texas when the wind doesn't blow and there must be a backup energy source. He said if the state achieves the goal of 10,000 MW of renewable energy, that would mean 10 percent of the state's power would be from renewables. "This is an orderly move toward putting in as much renewable as we can, but still having a reliable source."