Repower Texas with Clean Energy News Releases

A major draft bill released today by Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Energy & Environment Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) sets the stage for Congress to pass historic energy and global warming legislation, according to Environment Texas.

At least $200 million in federal funding for energy efficiency measures in Texas hinges on the state adopting the latest building codes for energy efficiency, according to an analysis by Environment Texas of the economic recovery package recently signed in to law by President Obama. The building codes would require home builders to improve the minimum efficiency of new residences by approximately fifteen percent.

A bi-partisan group of legislators predicted a ‘sunny’ legislative session for bills promoting the development of solar power technologies in the state of Texas. Pointing to a new analysis of solar’s economic development potential, the group declared that a robust solar program would help put Texans back to work and position the state as a world leader for solar production.

A new report commissioned by the state Public Utilities Commission shows that Texas could reduce electric usage by 23% if utilities invest more in efficiency measures, saving Texans as much $11.9 billion on their electric bills. The findings bolster the call by a coalition of local elected officials, business leaders, community groups and faith leaders for the Legislature to increase the mandate on utilities for energy efficiency investments.