Texas’ clean energy economy

If state leaders encourage the clean energy progress underway, Texas will continue growing jobs and the economy, while safeguarding precious water supplies. Embracing cleaner energy sources now will build a healthier Lone Star State for years to come.

Existing market-driven changes

Texas is already on its way to a clean energy future. Three factors have enabled this transition:

• The competitive market structure within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the grid for about 90 percent of the state.
• The construction of a massive transmission line highway, known as the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ), built to carry West Texas wind to cities throughout the state.
• Texas' clean energy potential, which far exceeds that of any other state.

Texans will reap the rewards

Investing in clean energy is investing in Texas jobs. Just take a look at the state's thriving wind industry, which supports nearly 25,000 jobs. Moreover, Texas is already the nation's leader in producing natural gas, and increased use in the state and throughout the country will mean more Lone Star jobs.

In addition, water savings await. Traditional power generators require a large amount of water to operate, but wind, solar panels, and energy efficiency need little to none. Large parts of Texas are expected to see longer dry spells and more droughts, so safeguarding scarce water supplies could be life-saving.

Switching to cleaner energy sources will also provide healthier and longer lives for Texans. Weaning ourselves off coal translates to a major reduction in carbon and other forms of air pollution, so generations to come will breathe easier and pay less for associated health costs.

Texas resources

EDF's Texas team helps Texans breathe cleaner air, benefit from clean energy, and protect our natural resources.

• Report: Texas' clean energy economy [PDF]
• Fact sheet: Texas' evolving energy landscape [PDF]
• Report: Potential for renewable energy and water stress at Texas Army National Guard facilities [PDF]
• Project: Pecan Street: Neighborhood of the future
• Project: Healthier ports in Houston