In response to the August 18 op-ed, “By embracing free-market policies, Texas can be the leader in energy.”
Texas is already a leader in oil, gas and renewable energy production. It is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Increased methane emissions from new natural gas power plants without adhering environmental measures will impact health and productivity of Texas workers.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides investment incentives which would spur clean energy growth and reduce polluting emissions. According to E2, 334 major clean energy and clean vehicle projects were announced in the first two years of the IRA with $126 billion in investments and 109,000 jobs. Red states and GOP congressional districts are benefitting the most and Texas is one of top five states. The IRA also has incentives for agriculture, carbon dioxide removal and new technologies.
We want Texas to remain a leader in clean energy investments which are environmentally responsible to support growth, reduce polluting emissions and improve quality of life.
Kalpana Sutaria, Project Manager, City of Austin and Member, Austin Metro Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Published by the Austin American-Statesman
This letter also appears on the website of Citizens’ Climate Lobby Austin Metro Chapter, Voices of Austin
August 25, 2024