Texas anti-renewables bills are gaining traction in the state legislature, sparking concerns among renewable energy developers and advocates. The latest bill, SB 819, requires large solar and wind projects to receive certification from the state Public Utilities Commission, a process fossil fuel generation doesn’t have to follow.
Despite opposition from landowners, ranchers, and renewables groups, the legislation was approved by the GOP majority in the Texas Senate. Another bill, SB 715, targets solar and wind by requiring facilities to produce power on demand or face fines.
Renewable energy experts believe misinformation and algorithmic biases are driving conservative lawmakers’ opposition to the bills. A veteran energy sector expert attributes this trend to “misinformation” and “algorithm problems,” where conservative voters are fed bad information that fuels their fears about renewable energy’s environmental impacts.
The issue is complicated by a recent incident, in which ice rocks damaged a solar farm during Hurricane Uri, sparking widespread media coverage. Conservative advocacy groups seized on the story, further inflaming anti-renewables sentiment.
With millions of dollars flowing into lawmakers’ districts through project investments and tax benefits, renewables advocates are hopeful that their interests will prevail. However, past trends suggest that overcoming conservative cultural animus may prove challenging.
Source: https://heatmap.news/plus/the-fight/spotlight/texas-senate-bill-819-715