Mar 24, 2009
Wind Energy Advocates to Converge on Capitol Wednesday
Wind Energy Day Celebrates Texas as Top Producer
Media Advisory March 23, 2009
Contact: Eric Bearse
(O) 512.397.3212
(M) 512.633.6446
Austin – Members of The Wind Coalition – a 35-member organization of wind producers, wind manufacturers and environmental advocates – will visit with lawmakers at the State Capitol on Wednesday March 25, which has been declared “Wind Energy Day” by Governor Rick Perry.
With 8,100 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity, and another 1,630 MW under construction, Texas is on pace to generate three times as much wind energy as any state in the nation by 2011. In 2008, Texas built more wind capacity than California has brought onto its grid in 25 years.
“Wind Energy Day” will include an multi-part display in the ground floor rotunda of the Capitol. Coalition members will also visit with dozens of lawmakers about critical issues, including the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) plan authorized by the Legislature and recently approved by the PUC. The transmission expansion under CREZ will bring another 11,553 MW of wind energy onto the Texas grid, creating a downward pressure on rates and clear environmental benefits.
“The wind industry is vital to producing paychecks and jobs, and its expansion in Texas is largely dependent on the state moving forward with its plans to build additional transmission capacity,” said executive director Paul Sadler. “Our industry wants to continue to partner with policy-makers in developing this clean, renewable source of energy that is cost-competitive and critical to energy diversity.”
Members of the press should contact Eric Bearse to set up interviews Wednesday, or to find out more information.
#####
Comments
No comments yet.
Post a Comment
Please keep your comments relevant to the post. Inappropriate or promotional comments may be removed. Email addresses are required to confirm comments but will never be displayed.