Travis County Takes Lead on Energy and Water Efficiency Financing for Texas Industry

(AUSTIN – February 17, 2015) Environmental Defense Fund urged the Travis County Commissioners Court today to pass a resolution of intent to create a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program in Travis County – the first one in the state of Texas. Passed during the last legislative session with support from both sides of the aisle, PACE is a voluntary, innovative financing tool that allows commercial and industrial property owners to repay loans for clean energy projects, such as rooftop solar and energy efficiency upgrades, through their property tax bill. This program has the potential to unlock a considerable amount of private funding for clean energy and water conservation projects in Travis County, and it simultaneously offers building owners cheaper financing options and lenders secure repayment terms.

“Texas’ PACE program was made for Texas, by Texans. With this toolkit, Travis County could better serve businesses by enabling them to cut down on high electricity costs and save scarce water supplies in growing communities – free of mandates and government loans. Travis County’s intent to adopt the inaugural, state-wide “PACE in a Box” toolkit would demonstrate that the Texas model is the way to go and would set a strong precedent for other communities throughout the state.”

• John Hall, Texas State Director, Clean Energy