Wind industry advocates are urging Texas legislators to support rural economic development and energy generation by opposing amendments that would reduce incentives for wind energy when they vote this week to renew the Texas Economic Development Act (H.B.3390).
Also known as Chapter 313 because of its placement in the Texas Tax Code, the act is one of the most important economic development tools ever devised by the Texas legislature, says the Wind Coalition, a regional partners of the American Wind Energy Association.
The coalition also urges lawmakers to adopt amendments that will count all jobs created under the program. The current iteration of the statute does not count all of the jobs that new wind developments produce. If all jobs count, let's count all of the jobs. Texas needs Chapter 313 to remain competitive with Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska – all of which have enacted incentives to attract investment.
Wind energy is now a key part of the energy mix in Texas, providing more than 9.2% of the state's electric supply. As a hedge against the volatility of fuel prices, wind energy helps guarantee that consumers, businesses and manufacturers have long-term access to reliable, affordable, water-free, zero-emission energy.
Under Chapter 313, Texas has attracted more than $24 billion in wind energy investments, which deliver job creation, affordable power, landowner opportunities, revenue for schools and rural economic development, the Wind Coalition notes.
