PrintEnergy is an essential component to Texas' economic success, and the Lone Star State has long been synonymous with the production and refinement of petrochemical products.
Lesser-known is Texas' role as a national leader in alternative energy forms: wind, solar, clean coal and the next generation of nuclear energy production. In fact, Texas produces more wind energy than any other state in the union - and all but four countries - and is a national leader in adopting innovative techniques to modernize the transmission grid and adopt energy efficiency technologies.
Well-positioned to capitalize on the next generation of energy technology, Texas has also dramatically improved air quality, slashing ozone levels by almost 25 percent since 2000. This has been accomplished through innovation and incentives, not intrusive regulations and sweeping mandates that kill jobs and devastate economies.
Under Gov. Perry's leadership, in the future, when people think "energy," they will continue to think "Texas."
Energy Initiatives
Opposing Harmful Cap & Trade Legislation
During his tenure in office, Gov. Perry has presided over one of the largest expansions of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the history of Texas, as well as dramatic expansions in Texas' natural gas production. Texas has proven that it is possible to foster new, renewable energy technologies without devastating the traditional energy industry.
Expansion of Renewable Energy
Texas is a world leader in wind power, with more wind power installed than any other state and all but four other countries. The state has also made a commitment to modernizing its transmission grid to enable the movement of more than 18,000 megawatts of wind power from West Texas to the major population centers in the eastern and central parts of the state. Texas has also invested more than $1 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund to support solar energy manufacturing and has invested more than $4.5 million from the Emerging Technology Fund to support the commercialization of the next generation of solar energy technologies.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
New, energy-efficient technology increases the ability of consumers to decrease their energy expense. Lower energy use decreases the need for all or a portion of the additional generation resources. Texas has provided incentives for energy efficiency and currently meets at least 20% of its growth in energy demand from energy efficiency, including building more Energy Star rated homes than any other state.
Emissions Reductions
Through Gov. Perry's leadership, Texas has become a nationwide example for creating and implementing innovative programs to reduce emissions without compromising its strong economy. To achieve this balance, Gov. Perry has worked with the Legislature, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and industries across the state to institute the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) and other emissions reduction program. Thanks to these efforts, Texans are breathing the cleanest air the state has seen in the last ten years, even in the midst of rapid population and economic growth.
Energy News
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Dec 30, 2011 - Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Court Order to Stay Cross State Air Pollution Rule - Press Release
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to grant Texas' request for a stay to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) -
Oct 06, 2011 - Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on Changes to CSAPR Rule - Press Release
Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announced changes to the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). -
Aug 05, 2011 - Gov. Rick Perry Urges Texans to Conserve Energy as High Temperatures Persist - Press Release
Because of the extreme heat that has created an unprecedented demand on the state's energy grid, and with no relief in sight, all Texas residents and businesses are being asked to conserve electricity. We are thankful to all state agencies, businesses and residents who have taken steps to reduce the demand on our energy grid during these extreme weather conditions. Our supply is strong, but not unlimited, and I urge everyone to continue conserving energy over the weekend and next week, especially during the peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m., to help minimize the risk of outages. - Governor Perry -
Jul 15, 2011 - Gov. Perry: Texas Continues to Lead the Nation in Energy Production - Press Release
Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed House Bill 3328 and Senate Bills 20 and 527, which will increase transparency in energy production and enable Texas to remain the nation's energy leader. The governor was joined by Reps. Jim Keffer, Tan Parker and others for the signing ceremony. -
Jul 07, 2011 - Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on New EPA Emissions Regulations - Press Release
Today's EPA announcement is another example of heavy-handed and misguided action from Washington, D.C., that threatens Texas jobs and families and puts at risk the reliable and affordable electricity our state needs to succeed. From the attack on Texas' successful clean air program, to threatening endangered species listings in West Texas oil fields, to banning offshore energy exploration, the Obama Administration seems intent on increasing energy costs for American consumers and making us even more dependent on foreign energy.
Commentary & Interviews
Why Texans See Green Gold in Renewable Resources - Popular Mechanics, Dec. 2009 issue
Governor Rick Perry's letter to Administrator Jackson of the EPA - December 09, 2009
Governor Rick Perry
Addressing the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA)
- November 09, 2009
Dr. Brian W. Shaw, Ph.D.
Chairman, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - On carbon emissions
Barry Smitherman
Chairman, Public Utility Commission of Texas
Discussing Wind Power in Texas
Carlos Rubinstein
Commissioner, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - On water quality and management
Dr. Brian W. Shaw, Ph.D.
Chairman, TCEQ - On a diverse energy portfolio