By: Citizen Brem
Even though Texas leads the nation in greenhouse gas emissions, Governor Perry balks at making any major stand on producing reliable renewable energy.
“Are the Democrats willing to say we’re fixing to raise everyone’s cost of living in America, on science yet to be solidified?” said Rick Perry several weeks ago. Perry has vowed to veto any legislation with the phrase, “Global Warming” present in bill, while Republican members in Congress continue to protect the oil industry.
It is important to understand the rhetoric being proposed by representatives such as Perry. They are siding with big oil and manufacturing lobbyists; who argue renewable energy would increase electric bills. However, the latest studies have shown renewable energy and energy efficiency can dramatically decrease energy consumption. This decrease in electric bills will be especially helpful for low-income families, who could save up to 30% on future electric bills.
Rick Perry claims, “renewable energy would be devastating to Texas economy,” but research indicates otherwise. A recent study done by the University of Massachusetts has declared renewable energy and energy efficiency programs would, “save low-income families 4% for their annual income, and the programs would pay for themselves in three years due to the savings by each family.”
Global warming is a real, scientifically confirmed problem, despite what governor Perry would like to believe — and our best answer to this global problem is renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Renewable energy and energy efficiency programs have been dramatically effective in Europe and other states through the United States. It is time to examine these successes and find an energy solution right for Texas.
Explained in a report by Green for All, “The most powerful way in which clean-energy investments will expand economic opportunities is through the channel of job creation, especially by increasing the availability of jobs for people with relatively low formal credentials.”
The renewable energy industry can provide thousands of jobs for Texans, which should be welcomed during a time of economic uncertainty. However, we need to invest in the future of renewable energy before it is too late. The renewable energy market, from research to production, is a prime opportunity for economic development in Texas. We must not let Texas be out-competed by states such as California and Vermont, which is sure to happen if Texas does not chose to invest in renewable technology.
Governor Perry’s claim renewable energy will hurt the Texas economy is completely off base. With renewable energy proving to be a reliable and affordable alternative for energy production, now and in the future, it is time we make active steps towards developing renewable energy in Texas.
