Environment Texas hails new EPA clean air standards, points to wind energy as way forward

Environment Texas

HOUSTON – Environment Texas applauded a new clean air standard finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today, saying the rule will help protect public health and restore the magnificent views in Big Bend National Park. The group said expanded use of wind energy can help the state comply with the rule, reducing haze and carbon pollution.

In order to clean up haze pollution in national parks, the EPA regional haze rule requires large cuts in emissions at coal fired power plants, including an estimated 90 percent reduction in sulfur dioxide pollution. Electric companies are expected to meet the pollution reduction requirements by installing pollution controls called scrubbers or replacing outdated plants with renewable energy like wind power.  

Wind power has grown exponentially in Texas over the last dozen years, and now supplies enough energy to power 3.5 million homes, a new report from Environment Texas Research & Policy Center said today. Last year alone, wind turbines from the coast to the panhandle produced enough energy to reduce carbon pollution from 5.3 million cars.

“From Houston to Big Bend, this rule will help bring back big, blue skies to Texas, protecting public health and restoring the magnificent views in our parks,” said Sara E. Smith, staff attorney for Environment Texas. “Wind energy already powers 3.5 million homes in Texas and our research shows wind can do even more, helping us reduce our dependence on coal and helping us clear the air”

The report, Turning to the Wind, also comes as state officials determine how to comply with the Clean Power Plan, the centerpiece of President Obama’s Climate Action that sets state-by-state limits on carbon pollution from power plants and encourages clean energy development.

Additionally, the analysis is timed with what’s become an annual tradition in Congress: waiting until the last minute to renew critical tax incentives for clean energy. The credits, which have helped spur wind power’s growth over the last two decades, expired at the end of last year, and any measure to reinstate them must be adopted before Congress adjourns for the year on December 18.

The report showed that renewing tax credits for clean energy sources could spur enough wind development by 2020 to power as many as 3.1 additional homes, and reduce carbon pollution equal to that produced by as many as 1.1 million cars. Nationwide, as much as 104.2 million tons of carbon pollution could be avoided.

While the report focused primarily on the reduction of global warming pollutants as a result of wind energy, medical professionals frequently point out the other public health benefits associated with a move towards clean energy, like wind. “Air quality affects all of us, especially the young, elderly and those with respiratory conditions and allergies. The more we can do to improve our air quality, will make our health stronger, as well as our city,” said Dr. Brian Tison, a local physician that specializes in respiratory illnesses.

As world leaders meet in Paris to hammer out an international agreement to slash climate-changing emissions, environmental advocates said wind power should play a critical role.

“To avoid the worst impacts of global warming, we need to transition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy,” said Smith, “and that must include doing everything we can to develop abundant, pollution-free wind power.”

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Environment Texas Research & Policy Center is statewide advocacy organization bringing people together for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.