We support advancing solutions to make our electric grid more resilient, reliable, affordable and cleaner. This includes increasing the statewide goal for energy efficiency, creating a market-based demand reduction program for residential and small business, expanding opportunities for local/onsite electric storage and renewable onsite generation, and updating our statewide building codes to the latest national standards, while ensuring counties have the same powers as cities to adopt codes, require inspections, and enforce rules to save energy. We will also support efforts to create specific programs designed to save money on electric bills for those least able to pay.
2025 Legislative Goal Summary
- Increase the statewide target for energy efficiency.
- Implement a demand reduction program tailored for residential and small businesses.
- Promote local electric storage and renewable generation at homes and businesses.
- Update statewide building codes to align with the latest national standards.
- Grant counties authority to enforce building codes and energy-saving measures.
2025 Bill Highlights
Currently, the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter supports:
- HB 407 - Morales, Christina: Relating to municipal and county requirements for solar energy device compatibility for certain residential construction.
- HB 871 - Reynolds, Ron: Relating to the residential and commercial building codes of municipalities.
- HB 882 - Reynolds, Ron: Relating to building codes applicable in the unincorporated areas of a county.
- HB 1360 - Hernandez, Ana: Relating to certain regulations adopted by governmental entities for the construction or alteration of residential or commercial buildings.
- HB 1359 - Hernandez, Ana: Relating to a program to provide assistance for certain retail electric customers.
Texas Grid Facts
1. Texas Has Untapped Potential In Energy Efficiency
While Texas was a pioneer in energy efficiency standards in 1999, its current goal of achieving 0.4% of peak demand annually lags behind national leaders. Strengthening this goal can significantly reduce strain on the grid and lower energy costs for Texans.
2. Demand Response and Energy Efficiency Programs Reduce Costs and Improve grid Reliability
Expanding demand response programs could further reduce peak energy loads, helping to prevent outages during extreme weather events. The American Council for An Energy Efficient Economy found that residential demand response programs could offset about 7,650 MW of summer peak load and 11,400 MW of winter peak load.
3. Updated Building Codes Could Save Texans Billions in Energy Costs
Most new construction in Texas meets the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. However, many existing buildings remain energy-inefficient, underscoring the need for retrofitting and stricter enforcement of modern codes. In 2023, the Texas legislature passed SB 2453, sponsored by Jose Menendez, which would have created a process for the State Energy Conservation Office to adopt 2021 energy codes which are roughly 10% more energy efficient than the state’s current 2015 codes. Unfortunately, Governor Abbott vetoed the legislation, citing the Legislature’s failure to pass property tax cuts.
4. Local Energy Storage Strengthens Resilience Against Power Outages
Expanding residential and commercial battery storage systems can help communities better weather grid failures. Increased investments in storage technologies could provide backup power and reduce the need for fossil fuel-based peaker plants.
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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