The Lone Star Chapter supports the responsible growth of solar, wind, and battery storage projects across Texas. We oppose legislative or regulatory efforts aimed at imposing market changes, discriminatory fees, or unfair permitting requirements that make it harder for renewable energy to thrive. Such barriers not only hinder economic opportunities but also slow Texas’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. Defending renewables ensures a stable grid, job growth, and sustainable energy solutions for future generations. We support best practices to protect wildlife and prevent erosion, commissioning and financial security and the public’s right to know about projects and provide input.
2025 Legislative Goal Summary
- Advocate for the expansion of solar, wind, and battery storage projects across Texas to drive economic growth and energy resilience.
- Oppose discriminatory fees, permitting hurdles, or market changes that disadvantage renewable energy.
- Protect renewable energy policies that create jobs and ensure a stable, sustainable grid.
- Support responsible development by supporting best practices, requiring commissioning and financial security and public information and public input on projects.
2025 Bill Highlights
As the 89th Legislative Session progresses, we will work to file renewable energy bills that align with our legislative priorities and our vision for a future Texas deserves. It will take all of us coming together to build momentum for strong renewable energy policies. Currently, the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter opposes:
- HB 553 - Patterson, Jared: Relating to the permitting of renewable energy generation facilities by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (this is a burdensome bill).
- SB 388 - King, Phil: Relating to the legislature's goals for electric generation capacity in this state (this bill would limit the growth of renewable energy).
- HB 1343 - Troxclair, Ellen: Relating to the issuance by the Public Utility Commission of Texas of a permit for the installation of certain electric energy storage equipment or facilities (this bill would add burdensome permitting requirements on storage facilities).
- SB 383 - Middleton: Relating to prohibiting interconnection of an offshore wind power facility (this bill would effectively ban the connection of future offshore wind in Texas to the larger grid).
- HB 1378 - Virdell, Wes: Relating to municipal and county regulation of certain electric energy storage (this bill prescriptively directs counties to adopt ordinances that would create required distances of 500 yards for any storage facilities from certain types of property and is overly restrictive).
Texas Energy Facts
1. Texas Leads in Wind Energy
Texas is the top wind energy producer in the United States, generating nearly three times more electricity from wind than any other state. Wind accounted for 22% of the state's electricity in 2023.
2. Renewable Energy Lowers Cost
The shift to renewable energy sources has translated into direct savings for Texas consumers. One report stated that renewable energy is saving Texans an average of $200 per year.
3. Job Creation and Economic Benefit
The renewable energy sector, including wind and solar, supports approximately 260,000 jobs in Texas. Investments in wind energy infrastructure have notably increased local tax bases, benefiting public services like schools and infrastructure development.
4. Solar Energy Growth
Solar power is rapidly expanding in Texas, with a total installed capacity surpassing 25GW in 2024. Recently, Texas surpassed California to become the leading solar state in the country. This growth provides economic benefits, supports lower electric bills, and supports Texas’ leadership potential in renewable energy adoption. Currently, solar power provides about 13% of generating capacity in our main electric grid.
5. Battery Storage Growth
In 2024, utility-scale battery storage projects will exceed 10,000 MWs in our main grid. Those batteries are dispatchable, flexible and able to respond to changes in demand and supply on the grid within seconds, providing an important resilience and reliability service. Batteries can also be combined with solar to provide backup power for vulnerable communities.
Read More About Clean, Reliable, Affordable Energy
How to Get Involved
In 2025, we’re focusing on safeguarding the future of our state’s natural resources and communities by advocating for meaningful legislative action. Join us! From lobby days to online advocacy, there's something for everyone.
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Texans want clean, reliable, and affordable energy, access to clean air and water, and representatives that put people over profit.
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