Many Texas towns can’t pass outdoor lighting ordinances, but that doesn’t mean they’re powerless.

Learn how grassroots efforts are helping communities combat light pollution throughout the state.

Read more: darkskytexas.org/dark-sky-pro...

#DarkSkyTexas #LightPollution #TexasLegislation

🟡 #HB654 #TexasLegislation #HuntingPolicy #WatchTheDetails

✅ #HB367 #TexasLegislation #MedicalEquity #StudentRights #PolicyForThePeople

✅ #HB331 #FirstResponders #TexasLegislation #WorkersComp #PublicSafety

🔴 #HB206 #TexasLegislation #PipelineAccountability #LocalControlMatters #WatchTheDetails

This is why we can’t allow the GOP to gain more house seats. We cant allow the spread of this #Americancancer any further.

#texas #texaslegislation

Texas Senate Bill 6 Navigating New Regulations for Battery Storage and Microgrid Projects A new Texas Senate Bill, SB 6, has been introduced, aimed at regulating large loads connected to the state grid through battery storage and microgrid projects. The legislation seeks to address concerns about grid stability and fairness by restricting the authority of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to curtail large loads, while increasing developer responsibilities and requiring greater transparency in project applications, interconnection studies, and infrastructure upgrades.

Texas Senate Bill 6 Navigating New Regulations for Battery Storage and Microgrid Projects #ERCOT #TexasLegislation #BatteryStorage #MicrogridProjects #GridRegulations #ERCOT

New legislation in Texas is creating headwinds for the state's robust renewable energy sector New legislation in Texas is creating headwinds for the state's robust renewable energy sector. This bill, derisively referred to as a "one big beautiful bill," is introducing significant uncertainty and potentially hindering the expansion of wind and solar power. Texas holds a leading position in U.S. renewable energy production, making these developments particularly impactful. A key element of the bill establishes a deadline for renewable energy projects to qualify for tax credits and incentives. Projects initiated after this date will be ineligible, creating a sudden cutoff that discourages investment in new developments. This policy shift has generated apprehension within the industry, as developers now face an unpredictable investment climate. While an earlier, more restrictive proposal—including a potential tax on renewable energy—was removed, the remaining regulations still present considerable challenges. The consequences of this legislation are already being felt. Several renewable energy projects are experiencing delays or are at risk of cancellation. This slowdown has the potential to negatively affect job creation and overall investment within the Texas economy. Texas-based renewable energy companies may now be forced to re-evaluate their investment strategies, potentially seeking opportunities in states with more supportive policy environments. Texas's previous commitment to renewable energy has been driven by both economic opportunity and the state's abundant natural resources—namely, strong winds and plentiful sunshine. The current legislation appears to reflect a change in political priorities, moving away from the previous strong support for renewable energy initiatives. The dismissive nickname given to the bill highlights the discrepancy between its perceived positive branding and its actual detrimental effects on the renewable energy sector. Those most affected by this legislation include renewable energy developers, Texas government officials involved in the bill’s creation and passage, and industry observers like Arcelia Martin of Inside Climate News, who is reporting on the situation. To increase awareness of this developing situation, please share this article. Contact information for Arcelia Martin and links to her social media are available for further inquiries.

New legislation in Texas is creating headwinds for the state's robust renewable energy sector #ERCOT #RenewableEnergy #TexasLegislation #WindPower #SolarIncentives #EconomicUncertainty

Texas Education Board Now Mandates Identification of Illegal Immigrant Students Explore the impacts of the latest Texas Education policy shift on undocumented students and tuition rates in universities.

Texas Education Board Now Mandates Identification of Illegal Immigrant Students

#TexasEducation #UndocumentedStudents #TuitionPolicy #HigherEducation #TexasDreamAct #ImmigrationPolicy #LegalChallenges #EducationalEquity #TexasLegislation #CivilRights #PoliticalDebate #Politics #Advocacy

Senate establishes conference committees for four key house bills Senate approves conference committees for House Bills 3642, 1545, 705, and 2017.

Texas Senate takes bold action, forming conference committees for four crucial house bills, paving the way for major legislative changes!

Click to read more!

#TX #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #CivicCollaboration #TexasLegislation #LegislativeInnovation

Senator King advances multiple house bills to full Senate for approval Senator King successfully reports several house bills favorably for Senate consideration.

Senator King is leading the charge in Texas, pushing multiple house bills through the Senate Committee with remarkable speed and unanimous support!

Get the details!

#TX #GovernmentEfficiency #CitizenPortal #CivicParticipation #LegislativeReform #TexasLegislation

Texas Plans a Teen Social Media Ban

#TheInternetIsCrack #TexasLegislation #AgeVerification #ScreenTimeCrackdown

Senator Hancock moves to expedite consideration of House Bill 3088 Senator Hancock requests immediate attention on House Bill 3088 during regular business.

Senator Hancock's bold move to expedite House Bill 3088 during the Texas Senate session could reshape the legislative landscape—what's at stake?

Learn more here

#TX #PublicPolicy #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #LegislativeUrgency #TexasLegislation

Texas Senate passes bills renaming roads and addressing human trafficking tattoo removal Senate Bill 1423 renames FM 2275 to Bill Stout Parkway while SB 1804 aids trafficking victims.

The Texas Legislature made headlines by passing landmark bills, including the renaming of a road to honor local hero Bill Stout and a significant measure supporting survivors of human trafficking.

Click to read more!

#TX #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #HumanTrafficking #TexasLegislation

📢 AVANCE LEGISLATIVO: La propuesta de ley de Reserva de Bitcoin en Texas avanza a su tercera lectura. Este movimiento podría posicionar a Texas como un líder en la adopción institucional de criptomonedas en EE.UU. #Bitcoin #TexasLegislation

Environment+Energy Leader 🚨 Texas Takes a Bold Step in Carbon Capture Legislation 🚨 The Texas House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee has advanced H.B. 2790, a bill poised to reshape legal standards for carbon...

News from E+E Leader 🚨 Texas Takes a Bold Step in Carbon Capture Legislation 🚨

The Texas House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee has advanced H.B. 2790, a bill poised to reshape legal standards for carbon… #CarbonCapture #TexasLegislation #Sustainability #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalPolicy

Texas Braces for Record High Electricity Demand Amid Heat Wave as Analysts Sound Alarm Over Potential 'Anti-Energy' Legislation Texas anticipates a surge in electricity demand this week due to the intense heat, potentially setting a record for May. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) forecasts a peak demand of 84,000 megawatts on Wednesday, surpassing last May's record of 77,000 megawatts. To put that in perspective, one megawatt typically serves approximately 250 Texas homes. Energy analyst Doug Lewin suggests the state might even exceed the overall peak demand record of just over 85,500 megawatts established in August 2023. Lewin attributes the improved power supply resilience to the increasing contributions of solar energy and the implementation of battery storage solutions. However, Lewin has voiced concerns about several legislative bills currently under consideration by the 89th Texas legislative session. He characterized some as "anti-energy," warning they could lead to energy emergencies. Senate Bill 715, for example, proposes that all renewable energy projects secure backup power sources, primarily from gas or coal facilities, a requirement Lewin deems impractical. "Grids function as integrated systems; mandating each power generation unit to have its own backup would be exceptionally inefficient and costly," he explained. A study by the Texas Association of Business estimates that SB 715 would increase state costs by $5.2 billion annually and raise customer expenses by $225 per year. Critically, the study also projects a higher probability of power outages, meaning consumers would pay more for a less dependable grid. Lewin also addressed Senate Bill 388, which mandates each new megawatt of renewable energy to be paired with a new megawatt of gas-fired power, and Senate Bill 231, which requires electric utilities to maintain mobile generators ready for immediate deployment following significant storms. Additionally, he noted concerns regarding Senate Bill 819, which limits landowners’ ability to lease their property for wind and solar development. Lewin also acknowledged that he is tracking some energy-related bills he views favorably.

Texas Braces for Record High Electricity Demand Amid Heat Wave as Analysts Sound Alarm Over Potential 'Anti-Energy' Legislation #ERCOT #EnergyDemand #HeatWave #TexasLegislation #SolarEnergy #PowerGrid

Texas to Implement New Regulations Amid Surge in Energy Demand Texas anticipates a substantial surge in energy demand in the coming years, largely fueled by data centers and the oil and gas sector. ERCOT, the state’s grid operator, forecasts that Texas's energy needs will almost double within the next six years. State Senator Phil King has voiced concerns about the accuracy of ERCOT's load forecasting, suggesting that the current projections may not reflect the true scale of future demand. He warned of the potential for either overbuilding the grid, leading to increased costs for consumers, or underbuilding, which could exacerbate energy scarcity. Senator King's proposed legislation, Senate Bill 6, aims to place constraints on Texas’s energy market to improve grid planning and potentially mitigate future crises, particularly during extreme weather events. The bill, already approved by the Senate, is set to undergo scrutiny in the Texas House, beginning with a committee hearing. It proposes stricter requirements for businesses contributing to ERCOT's forecasting efforts and mandates advanced payments from these businesses. While business groups acknowledge the need for enhanced grid security, they contend that Senator King’s bill may be overly restrictive. Dan Diorio, representing the Data Center Coalition, supports the bill's objectives but expressed concerns about provisions requiring companies to disclose sensitive information, such as out-of-state electricity requests, arguing it’s irrelevant to accurate forecasting and could compromise proprietary data. He also raised environmental concerns regarding potential air emissions violations if businesses are compelled to operate emergency generators relying on diesel fuel, and worries about the security risks associated with disclosing information when systems are shut down. Walt Baum, representing natural gas power generators, highlighted another potential issue, stating that the bill's administrative requirements on power agreements between companies and facilities would not alter energy usage but could unnecessarily complicate the process. He explained that directly paying a power generator would yield the same grid impact as drawing power directly from the grid.

Texas to Implement New Regulations Amid Surge in Energy Demand #ERCOT #EnergyDemand #DataCenters #ERCOT #GridSecurity #TexasLegislation

Texas Faces Legislative Push Favoring Fossil Fuels Texas Faces Legislative Push Favoring Fossil Fuels Recent legislative actions in Texas signal a concerning shift in energy policy, prioritizing fossil fuels, specifically natural gas, over renewable energy sources like solar and wind. A series of bills are under consideration that aim to advantage natural gas projects while imposing new limitations on renewable energy development, potentially disrupting the state’s energy market and undermining established regulatory guidelines. Several legislative measures are drawing scrutiny. Originally intended to provide low-interest loans for natural gas plants, the Texas Energy Fund is now facing amendments, although a recent move allows geothermal projects to apply, the focus remains largely on supporting fossil fuel infrastructure. Furthermore, proposed bills target renewable energy development with stricter permitting requirements—requiring state permits for projects exceeding 10 megawatts, a change from current practices. Renewable projects also face potential annual fees purportedly to fund site cleanup, a burden not applied to fossil fuel projects. Stringent property line restrictions are also being considered, essentially demanding landowner waivers to enable project development. These actions have several potential repercussions. Critics anticipate increased electricity costs for consumers and a reduced reliability of the state's power grid due to a lessened diversity of energy sources. The legislation also threatens to curtail the economic advantages, including income and job creation, that rural landowners and communities currently experience through renewable energy projects. Two wind farms in Armstrong County, for example, are projected to generate $100 million for local landowners and school districts. This shift arrives as oil and gas production declines in some regions, making renewable energy a vital economic lifeline. Despite these concerns, the benefits of renewable energy in Texas are substantial. Landowners have reaped billions in revenue, and rural communities are experiencing economic boosts through lease payments, property taxes, and employment opportunities. Opponents argue that the proposed bills interfere with market forces, violate property rights, and disregard the perspective of ERCOT’s CEO, who believes the current market structure can handle Texas’s growth. Concerns about reliability, exemplified by recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal, are seen as solvable through grid modernization and energy storage—not by hindering renewable energy expansion. Several landowners voiced opposition to the proposed restrictions during a Senate hearing, emphasizing the significant economic advantages they receive from renewable energy development. Links: Texas Energy Fund: [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/defending-texas-energy-fund-geothermal-20295096.php](https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/defending-texas-energy-fund-geothermal-20295096.php) Geothermal Energy Fund Amendment: [https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5265639-texas-legislature-geothermal-energy-fund/](https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5265639-texas-legislature-geothermal-energy-fund/) Rural landowners testimony: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0oD3Ww1o-0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0oD3Ww1o-0) Renewable Energy in Texas: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0oD3Ww1o-0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0oD3Ww1o-0) Spanish blackouts: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y77qXFh97fU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y77qXFh97fU) Rural landowners testimony: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0oD3Ww1o-0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0oD3Ww1o-0)

Texas Faces Legislative Push Favoring Fossil Fuels #ERCOT #Fossil Fuels #TexasLegislation #RenewableEnergy #EconomicBenefits #GridReliability

Texas Energy Landscape Shifts with New Developments and Controversial Legislation Texas legislative and regulatory actions continue to significantly impact the state's energy landscape. A key bill, HB 3356, aimed at increasing electricity costs and potentially destabilizing the ERCOT market, narrowly passed the House Committee on State Affairs by a vote of 8-7. While HB 3356 moves forward, the Senate version, SB 715, was not considered during yesterday's session despite being eligible for discussion. In a historic decision, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved the initial Extra High Voltage 765-kV transmission lines, a first for the state. Simultaneously, the House has taken steps to foster nuclear energy with the advancement of HB 14, which aims to encourage the construction of new nuclear power plants, support ongoing research, and cultivate a skilled workforce in the nuclear sector. Further developments from the PUC include the approval of four new natural gas-fired plants through the Texas Energy Fund (TEF). Notably, these plants are all peaker plants, accounting for 90% of the total peaker capacity within the TEF. The PUC also approved the inaugural completion bonus for a project undertaken by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), a project predating the TEF's existence but now eligible for the incentive.

Texas Energy Landscape Shifts with New Developments and Controversial Legislation #ERCOT #EnergyShifts #TexasLegislation #ERCOTMarket #NuclearEnergy #TransmissionLines

Texas's Energy Future Under Threat From Misguided Legislation Aimed At Bolstering Grid Reliability Texas's energy future is under threat from misguided legislation aimed at bolstering grid reliability. Bills like the Committee Substitute for House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 1731 represent a dangerous shift away from market-driven solutions and towards artificial mandates that will ultimately harm Texas's energy sector and economy. The recent challenges faced during Winter Storm Uri have been exploited to justify policies that prioritize certain technologies, particularly natural gas, at the expense of innovation and competition. The core problem isn’t a lack of reliability; it's the flawed approach to *ensuring* that reliability. These bills attempt to guarantee "resource adequacy" by dictating the types of power generation and guaranteeing payments to specific plants. This intervention stifles the very market forces that are already responding to the need for a stable and resilient grid. Private investment, driven by consumer demand and long-term contracts, is proving to be a far more effective solution than legislative mandates. By picking "winners" and "losers" in the energy landscape, this legislation actively discourages investment in promising alternatives like solar, wind, and energy storage. The grid requires flexibility and adaptability, and a rigid regulatory framework will only create vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the artificial constraints imposed by these bills are likely to lead to higher energy costs for Texas consumers. The inherent strength of the Texas energy market lies in its responsiveness and dynamism – qualities that these bills actively undermine. Unlike approaches taken in other states, this legislation risks creating an inflexible and costly energy system. Instead of learning from the challenges of Winter Storm Uri, these bills double down on a flawed model that prioritizes outdated technologies over the innovative solutions already emerging from the private sector.

Texas's Energy Future Under Threat From Misguided Legislation Aimed At Bolstering Grid Reliability #ERCOT #EnergyFuture #GridReliability #NaturalGas #SolarPower #TexasLegislation

Texas Legislator Wants To Fine Museums $500k Per Day For Displaying ‘Obscene’ Content Here’s a law no one has ever needed, being offered up by a legislator no one needs. Authored by Texas Rep. David Lowe (R- North Richland Hills), the bill— HB 3958—would give the Texas Attorney...

Texas Legislator Wants To Fine Museums $500k Per Day For Displaying ‘Obscene’ Content #Technology #Other #TexasLegislation #MuseumRights #FreeSpeech

By Tuesday, April 15th at 10AM:

Call and email Texas House Committee on Human Services #members to #vote #YES on #HB4838. #texaslegislation #texas #langaugeaccess

By Tuesday, April 15th at 10AM:

#Submit your #written #testimony telling the Texas House Committee on Human Services to #vote #YES on #HB4838 through the Texas House Public Comment portal. #texaslegislation #texas #langauge access

A #bill can be stopped at any point in the process. Without #strong #public #support and sustained pressure on #legislators, many good bills die in #committee or never make it to a #vote. It’s up to us to keep them alive. #texas #austin #texaslegislation #legislativeeduccation

The #legislative session is a whirlwind of activity—from #bill introductions to #votes, everyday #counts. But with your help, we can guide #legislators toward making the right decisions for our #communities. #texas #austin #texaslegislation #legislativeeduccation

Texas lawmakers push for natural gas in new energy bill amid concerns about government favoritism and regulatory challenges. - Cozzy Energy Solutions Texas lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at shaping its energy market, sparking concerns about the government's role in favoring certain energy sources over others. The proposed legislation sets a target for 50% of new power plants to use "dispatchable generation other than battery energy storage," a term that has been interpreted as favoring natural gas over other alternatives. The Texas Senate recently passed SB 388, which would require power plant owners and utilities to invest in this type of dispatchable generation. If they fail to comply, they would have to purchase credits to meet the requirement. However, the bill's original version mandated that these plants use natural gas, a provision that has since been dropped. The trend towards renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly evident in Texas, with solar, batteries, and wind expected to deliver 93% of new gigawatts built this year, according to the Energy Information Administration. The ERCOT grid, which serves most of Texas, sees a significant skew towards these technologies, with very little new capacity expected from natural gas. The challenges facing the bill extend beyond market competition. Gas turbines are complex machines that require specialized equipment from key suppliers, who have warned of five-year backlogs for parts. Even if developers wanted to shift their investment strategies in response to the directive, they would struggle to find the necessary tools to comply with the new regulations. The lack of specific details on how much these "dispatchable generation credits" will cost has been criticized as a way to punt responsibility to state regulators. The fees incurred by this scheme are expected to be passed on to customers in the form of higher energy bills, but the specifics remain unclear. In contrast, pure-play battery operators have been granted a reprieve from the new regulations, acknowledging their role in dispatching power on demand. The bill's language has also been softened to welcome other forms of dispatchable generation, such as coal and nuclear plants, although it is unlikely that any new plants of these types will be built in Texas anytime soon. The House will now have a say in the bill's fate, along with the business community that has grown accustomed to the competitive nature of the energy market. It remains to be seen whether Governor Abbott would sign the bill into law, as revamping ERCOT was not a priority outlined in his State of the State address earlier this year.

Texas lawmakers push for natural gas in new energy bill amid concerns about government favoritism and regulatory challenges. #ERCOT #NaturalGas #TexasLegislation #EnergyRegulation #GovernmentFavoritism #Utilities

F.U.R.R.I.E.S Act could stand to persecute Texas school D&D and LARP groups, in attempts to weed out "any non-human behavior"

The proposed F.U.R.R.I.E.S Act in Texas could target school D&D and LARP groups, aiming to eliminate 'non-human behavior' among students.

Critics warn it echoes past moral panics and threatens creative expression in schools.

#FURRIESAct #TexasLegislation

A new Texas bill is coming after online abortion pills Republican state legislators unveil bill targeting access to abortion in Texas, cracking down on online pill orders and funding for out-of-state care #AbortionBill #TexasLegislation #ProChoice #WomensRights #HealthCare #RoevWade

A new Texas bill is coming after online abortion pills

Republican state legislators unveil bill targeting access to abortion in Texas, cracking down on online pill orders and funding for out-of-state care #AbortionBill #TexasLegislation #ProChoice #WomensRights #HealthCare #RoevWade

Texas legislature moves to challenge unconstitutional federal directives with new resolution process Legislature sets rules for declaring and prohibiting enforcement of unconstitutional federal directives.

Texas lawmakers are gearing up to challenge federal authority like never before with Senate Bill 707, which aims to declare certain federal directives unconstitutional.

Get the details

#TX #ConstitutionalRights #FederalOverreach #StateSovereignty #TexasLegislation #CitizenPortal