Texas is a Shining Star for Solar Energy
Texas has been leading the nation with respect to wind development. Now, the Lone Star state is also a shining star for solar energy. Will Texas lead the nation in solar power too?
Last week, the Texas senate considered so many bills concerning the state’s incentives for solar power, the legislative session has been called the “solar session.” Now, that’s some powerful momentum!
Whether its based on true concern for the environment, or just a “don’t mess with Texas,” attitude with respect to being the best at anything on which the state sets its mind, the bottom line is that 50 of the 69 renewable energy bills before the state legislature address solar energy.
According to David Power, deputy director of Public Citizen Texas:
“There are senators and representatives that are talking about solar that have never mentioned the word probably in their lives. We’ve actually heard the term ‘global warming,’ and two years ago that was called ‘the G word’ — you didn’t talk about it.”
Solar Power in Texas
Earlier in March, the city of Austin unanimously gave a go-ahead to a private company to build the largest photovoltaic plant in the U.S. That will give the stat more than just bragging rights; the local utility, Austin Energy, can buy the electricity produced.
To be fair, Texas does have more than its fair share of sunshine. And, as shown in the video below, the 2nd largest state in the nation produces ample amounts of CO2 emissions too.
Can any other state mess with Texas’s title for the most solar power produced? Even though there are plenty of sunny days in the Lone Star State, that is but one piece of the renewable energy puzzle. As long as the sun is shining (even behind clouds), other states can capitalize on solar energy, too.
Well, as long as the shining star resides in Texas, I’ll tip my big hat for making such a push with respect to solar energy!
Tags: lone star state, public citizen texas, shining star for solar energy, texas leads the nation in solar power
[...] Stephanie added an interesting post on Texas is a Shining Star for Solar Energy | Solar Power – PV PanelsHere’s a small excerptThe Lone Star state leads the nation in both wind and solar energy. [...]