A NEW ENERGY TEMPLATE IN TEXAS

Report predicts big benefits for green industry in Texas
Karina Kling, August 16, 2010 (News 8 Austin)

"…[Texas’ Clean Energy Economy; Where We Are. Where We’re Going. What We Need to Succeed., a report for the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation by Billy Hamilton Consulting, says] that if the state chooses to invest in renewable energy programs, it could spur the creation of 22,900 new jobs a year and $2.7 billion annually in local and state tax revenue.

"The report suggests the state model legislation to incentivize green energy investment in Texas, and, based on three potential scenarios, increase energy costs for consumers."

click to enlarge

"In the high-range scenario… a 20 percent increase in the state’s clean energy generating capacity…[would the average Texan’s energy bill] an average of $13 a month…[and] create an average of 22,900 jobs per year for the next decade…In the baseline scenario, the average residential consumer would see an increase of $4 a month by 2020, for a 15 percent increase in the state's clean energy generating capacity…[T]his moderate scenario would create 6,000 new jobs per year and generate gains in state productivity as well as increased state and local tax revenues…[In] the low-range scenario…[with a] renewable electric generating capacity…[of 2.2 percent] the clean energy sector would continue to be a steady source of job creation and economic growth, but would not thrive…

"State leaders in support of expanding the renewable energy industry in Texas hope to pass legislation in the beginning of the 2011 legislative session…The report notes that Texas may face carbon dioxide emission costs if federal efforts to regulate emission standards take hold. Reducing the state's carbon footprint by investing in greener energy could then save the state money…"

click to enlarge

"In an effort to relieve [any financial burden on low-income Texans, the elderly and the disabled], the report suggests that the state take advantage of various public policies…that provide assistance…

"The report also concedes that various factors that could inhibit green energy production efforts, one of which includes large capital spending costs associated with the transition to new smart grid power systems…"