Texas electricity consumers purchasing MORE renewable energy . . .

but, the Texas House seeks MORE confrontation with the EPA 

The Governor and his lobbyists-inspired legislators keep telling us what Texans want, but they never really ask nor listen to their Texas constituents.  What’s up?  Well, we know about politics, safe districts, campaign finance, primaries, presidential aspirations, and dogma in Austin.

Here is something we also know.  In America and in Texas, a citizen’s best opportunity to be heard is to speak through his or her choices and spending.  Economic decisions are a far better indication of ‘what Texans want’ than twisted and self-serving political spin from Austin.

On May 13, 2011, ERCOT (the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas) reported that Texas electricity customers chose to buy 30% more renewable power in 2010 than in 2009.  Interesting? 2010 was not a spectacular year . . . recession, unemployment, low-income, falling home prices, cheap electricity . . . and yet, 30% more Texans chose renewable energy as their source of electricity.

Renewable Energy Increase in % - 2009 2010

Let’s dial up our legislators in Austin.  Did anyone notice?  Notice what?

On May 21, 2011, busy Texas House members amidst a host of other pressing issues: state budget, shortfalls, education, healthcare, loser pays all, and of course, concealed handguns in college classrooms, found the time (maybe 30 seconds) to pass 107-34 a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to keep the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases from oil refineries.  Oh, thank goodness!  What a worry.

The resolution also urges the EPA not to interfere with emissions from gas wells, factories and electricity generating sources (i.e., coal).  Whew, now I feel safe, and I know what I want!

So here is the score: Texas consumers choose more renewable energy, and Texas Legislators choose more status quo and vested interests, that is to say, more SOx, NOx, Mercury, and GHG’s.  What’s up in Texas?  Who is representing whom?

Your real vote in Austin is cast with the choices you make.  The legislators in Austin are not listening to you.  They are very busy with their lobbyists.

As an electricity consumer in Texas, we have alternatives.  We can choose wind power from most electric utilities or REP’s, or we can choose grid-tied solar electricity, large or small, designed to meet any portion of our household electricity load.

Renewable energy in Texas is a bottom up, ground swell movement; one consumer, one house, and one business at a time.  It’s affordable, it’s economic; it’s here all over Texas; and it’s growing each year.

Do not wait on Austin.  Just do it!

Chet Boortz, CEO

SES 21 USA

[The comments, positions, and opinions stated above are my own and may or may not represent those of SES 21 USA and its affiliate companies.]

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