TEXAS - Environmentalist are banding together in hopes that Texas lawmakers continue to see the value in sustainable electricity.
- Texas produces a quarter of the nation's wind energy
- Opponents say tax incentives costs residents billions
- Proponents say oil and gas companies receive greater tax incentives
Texas leads the nation when it comes to wind energy use. In fact, our state produces a quarter of the wind energy in the country, but leading up the 86th legislative session some are wondering if that title will hold.
Some on the other side of the issue are calling for an end to tax incentives for wind energy companies. The Texas Public Policy Foundation says those incentives that are great for wind energy companies are costing the taxpayers billions.
"We generate more wind energy than the next three states combined," said Luke Metzger with Environment Texas.
That natural advantage of being a windy state, combined with a decision by lawmakers to incentivize wind energy companies to move their operation to the Lone Star State lands us at the number one spot for sustainable electricity production. That means big corporations opened up shop here.
Metzger fears they'll pack up and leave if the program that gives them those tax breaks, the Production Tax Credit, is dissolved.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation published a report in October that says the Texas taxpayer is taking a hit by cutting wind energy companies a break. The report found that the PTC cost taxpayers $4.2 billion in 2017 and would cost them another 48 billion if it's not dissolved. They also found the program only actually benefits a few companies and distorts other electricity markets.
Oil and gas companies receive tax incentives to operate in Texas and those breaks are much greater than those given to wind energy companies. Metzger says lawmakers should level the playing field this session.
"Our hope, our dream scenario is that the Legislature would actively promote and create new incentives for clean energy," said Metzger.
A new organization called Powering Texas is also joining the fight to maintain sustainable electricity in Texas. They'll be meeting with lawmakers ahead of the legislative session.
Powering Texas reports that the wind energy industry has created more than 24,000 jobs in Texas.