The state of Texas has made a lot of progress toward clean energy through the expansion of the wind turbine and solar panel industries. Over $7 billion has been invested in grid expansion and Competitive Renewable Energy Zone transmission lines, connecting clean energy plants to industrial buildings. This industry has also created thousands of jobs.
However, SB 819 threatens these advancements by imposing excessive financial and administrative hurdles on renewable energy while banning tax incentives and discouraging investment. These restrictions unfairly burden the crucial industries driving our state’s economic growth, slowing the clean energy transition and ultimately leaving Texas behind other states.
Furthermore, restricting renewable energy keeps us reliant on fossil fuels, worsening air pollution and accelerating climate change. At a time when we should be encouraging clean energy innovation, this bill does exactly the opposite by pushing us further back in time.
I urge lawmakers to reject SB 819 and stand up for a future that prioritizes lower energy costs, a better job outlook and improving population health.
Sana Afsheen, UTD student