Texas needs to do more to encourage carbon-free energy: Advocacy Group

Texas is progressing fast in boosting renewable energy production but could do a better job implementing more statewide efficiency programs and providing rewards and incentives for efficient technologies. The Austin-based advocacy group Environment Texas Research & Policy Center observed.

Texas produced more wind than any other state in 2018 and came in fifth in solar energy, producing 339 times the amount it produced 10 years ago. Texas is third in the U.S. for battery storage capacity with 94 megawatts, as per the center.

But Texas could do more by providing state incentives to produce renewable energy and encourage state and local governments to purchase only renewable power, according to the center.

“The progress we’ve made in the last decade on renewable energy and technologies like battery storage and electric cars should give Texans the confidence that we can take clean energy to the next level,” said Jen Schmerling, deputy director of Environment Texas.

One percent of new car sales in June in Houston were electric vehicles.

source https://ncairways.co/texas-needs-to-do-more-to-encourage-carbon-free-energy-advocacy-group-says/