Texas Energy Independence Week

Texas is legendary as a US energy powerhouse but its potential as a source of renewable energy is vast and, except for wind, largely untapped.  Continuing a long tradition, Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) has declared February 20 – 24 Texas Energy Independence Week, only one week prior to Texas Independence Day, March 2. 

When the Texas Legislature committed to a Goal for Renewable Energy they unleashed wind energy development in this state unsurpassed in the US and rated sixth in the world.  Texas has the largest land mass in the contiguous US and is rated first among the states in developable solar energy resource. Its top 17 cities average 236 days of sunshine annually, making Texas a prime location for solar development.   Yet, at this time Texas ranks only 13^th in the US for production of solar energy while many other of its renewable energy resources remain in their beginning stages. Texas Energy Independence Week is designed to educate the public and reach out to Texas Legislators and their staff on behalf of Texas’ full renewable energy resource potential.

In December the San Antonio Express News reported the EPA set up a framework in Texas for regulating greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide permitting of any new or expanding industrial facilities starting in January. “The action will give the EPA permitting authority over refineries, power plants and cement facilities in Texas.”   

"While renewable energy is here to stay in our energy portfolio, Texas needs a much greater share coming from these non-depleting sources to maintain economic competitiveness. Maximizing wind and boosting solar and other renewables now is the smart move," said Russel Smith, Executive Director, Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association. 

During Texas Energy Independence Week exhibits will be on display in the Capitol North Gallery.  Also open to the public at no charge are two forums on Wednesday, February 23 in the Capitol Auditorium.

• Forum I, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Texas universities speak on Renewable Energy Policy and Technology Research. 
• Forum II, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.  consists of two sections:
  • Renewables and Natural Gas, Confluence or Conflict
  • The Business Case for a Robust Role for Renewable Energy in Texas’ Energy Mix.

Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) www.treia.org is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas whose work promoting development of renewable resources and their wise use has spanned a quarter of a century.

# # #