“I love Texas because Texas is future-oriented, because Texans think anything is possible. Texans think big.”
Phil Gramm, Economist and former US Senator
If you had to bet your next paycheck on which US state has the fastest-growing renewable energy sector, what would you pick? Would you confidently place your bet on California? New York? The fact is, most of us would lose that bet, because the answer is: Texas. Yes, Texas is the surprising leader in clean energy.
The surprising leader
When I think of Texas, some of the things that come to mind are cowboy boots, cattle ranches, pickup trucks, and the 80’s show, Dallas. But more than anything, I think of oil. What does not automatically pop into my head are windmills, solar panels, and green hydrogen.
So it came as a bit of a shock to learn that Texas is crushing the rest of the country in growth of renewable energy projects. In fact, the Energy Information Administration predicts that in 2023, renewables will generate more power in Texas than natural gas.
An economic decision
If you owned a big chunk of land and could make $8 per acre farming cattle, or hundreds of dollars per acre with a wind farm, which would you choose? This has become an easy decision for many Texas landowners like John Davis, the owner of Pecan Spring Ranch. His ranch now has 7 wind turbines, and his family has become actively involved with an organization called Texas Land and Liberty Coalition, helping other landowners with renewable energy projects.
Clean energy: the pragmatic choice
Ranchers in Texas are predominantly conservative, and those embracing clean energy are doing so because it makes financial sense. They describe the transition as one based on pragmatism.
Similarly, America’s largest military post, Fort Hood, switched to renewable energy in 2017, and is now saving millions of dollars in energy costs.
Roadblocks in the path
Unfortunately, there are some roadblocks in the way. For example, The Texas Public Policy Foundation, an organization with significant funding from oil and gas companies, is working hard to make it more challenging for clean energy projects. They are active not just in Texas, but all over the country. There are complicated financial interests in hanging onto fossil fuels, so it’s not surprising there is some resistance.
Beyond wind and solar
Other innovative projects are taking off in Texas. The state has been in the news recently for being home to the country’s first major green hydrogen factory, as well as the largest-ever neighborhood built over a geothermal grid. These projects will mean less oil and gas use, economic growth, and new jobs.
The fact is, with the plummeting cost of renewable energy, the financial case for fixing the climate is becoming more and more compelling. Several states are well on their way to a clean energy transition, while others lag further behind. So, don’t mess with Texas. Instead, let’s follow their lead.
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.