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.

The Problem

Over ninety percent 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. 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.

The Solution

Increase investments in energy efficiency. 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.

Expand wind energy production and transmission capacity. Texas leads the nation in wind energy production with over 5000 megawatts installed, and the Public Utility Commission is increasing transmission capacity to bring an additional 12,000 megawatts of wind energy to urban areas. However, the PUC rejected a more ambitious plan to add 18,000 MW of new wind generation. Texas needs more wind power to replace the demand for fossil fuels.

Set specific goals for solar energy production. New transmission lines from West Texas can carry energy produced by concentrated solar farms as well as wind farms. Several solar farms are under development in the western states, and California has set ambitious goals for solar. Solar is already cost-competitive with new nuclear capacity, and dropping in price as technology improves.