Fossil fuels are polluting the air, warming the planet and soaring in price.
Texas' dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear power is an economic burden on its citizens and a threat to public health. As our population increases, we must prioritize clean energy and energy efficiency to protect public health and the environment, keep electricity affordable and bring jobs to Texas.

Over ninety per cent of Texas' electricity comes from dirty sources of power that put public health at risk. Texas leads the nation in emissions of greenhouse gases and toxic mercury from coal plants, and much of Texas' smog problem is due to coal. Two-thirds of Texans live in cities that are in violation of federal, health-based clean air standards.

Business-as-usual policies are forcing Texans to pay higher utility bills. The cost of natural gas has tripled since 2003. The cost of coal is rising with increases in the cost of diesel fuel needed to transport it by rail from Wyoming. The price of coal will rise even faster if Congress passes legislation regulating carbon-based fuels, as is expected. These costs are passed on to consumers in their utility bills.

Nuclear power is no solution. The South Texas Nuclear Project in Bay City alone has already produced over 1,000 tons of long-lasting radioactive waste since 1989. Nuclear plants cost billions of dollars, take several years to bring on line and are only possible with lavish subsidies guaranteed by the federal government.

Texas can move towards a secure and healthy energy future through efficiency and renewable power.

Boost Investments in Energy Efficiency in Texas

Energy efficiency refers to physical improvements such as insulating an attic or installing more efficient lighting or air conditioning. Rebates to business and residential customers for energy efficiency investments can prevent the need to build new power plants at a fraction of the cost. They also lower individual utility bills and create local jobs.

Texas requires that only 10% of new energy demand be met by energy efficiency programs, well below the 50% level recommended by the EPA's National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency. A recent study commissioned by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas concluded that Texas could lower peak energy demand by 23% and save consumers over $11 billion through energy efficiency.

Build a Solar Economy in Texas.

Thanks to goals established by the legislature in 1997, Texas leads the nation in total energy produced from wind power. But our sun-drenched state has done little to take advantage of its enormous solar energy potential. No state has more renewable energy potential than Texas. Clean Water Action is calling on our lawmakers to require utilities to produce at least 4,000 megawatts of electricity from solar by 2020, and to produce at least 2,000 of these megawatts by means of roof-top solar installations. This will reduce our dependence of fossil fuels and help create a green economy in Texas.

Take Action: Write state officials and demand they increase investments in solar energy and energy efficiency here in Texas. Your elected officials need to hear from you, their constituents.