Newsroom

Senate Bill 541: Made in Texas

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Through adoption of a Renewable Portfolio Standard, Texas has become a world leader in wind energy production. 

However, Texas has failed to attract or retain manufacturing jobs from the production of wind turbines and other equipment that will be vital to growing our 21st Century energy industry.

The “Made in Texas” RPS bill:

• Calls on the PUC to adopt rules that will encourage energy companies to install Made-in-Texas equipment.
• Leverages our investment in wind energy by promoting other forms of 21st Century renewable energy—such as solar, biomass, and geothermal.
• Rewards manufacturers who build in Texas and put Texans to work.

The bill, modeled after the spirit of a Michigan law that allows extra credit to be given to companies that purchase renewable energy credits from energy produced in Michigan.  The “Made in Texas” RPS bill allows the PUC to adopt rules accommodating a similar incentive for renewable energy generated in Texas that uses equipment and technology that is made in Texas.

This bill demonstrates Texas’ commitment to stand as an energy industry leader through the 21st Century, but also to creating Texas jobs, fueling economic development, and leveraging our energy investments so all Texans benefit.

The “Made in Texas” incentive would cover all forms of renewable energy.  It will ensure that as Texas strives to lead the energy industry in this century as we did in the last one, the manufacturers we want and need will set up shop in Texas.