For More Information:
Doris Sanchez, Senator Lucio’s Office, 512-463-0385
Patrick Talton, Representative Gallego’s Office, 512-463-0566
Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, 512-740-4086
Tom “Smitty” Smith, Public Citizen, 512-797-8468

Press Advisory - For Immediate Release (Tuesday, March 17, 2009)

St. Patrick’s Week Green Energy Press Conference

Senator O’Lucio, Representative O’Gallego and other Legislators introduce Bills to Create a Market for Emerging Renewable Technologies

Representatives will highlight the State Energy Conservation Office’s 2008 Texas Renewable Energy Resource Assessment, which states:
“Texas leads the nation in non-hydropower renewable energy potential, being rich in wind, solar, biomass and geothermal resources.”

: Texas “Lucky” to have Sun, Geothermal and Biomass Potential and Luckier Still to have Political Will behind Renewables this Session

Who: State Legislators, including Senator Eddie O’Lucio and Representative “Pete” O’Gallego

What: 30-minute Press Conference

When: Wednesday, March 17th, 10:20 AM

Where: Lt. Governor's Press Room 2E.9 Texas State Capitol

Legislators introduce bills to create a market-based Renewable Portfolio Standard for “emerging” renewables like solar, geothermal, renewable biomass, and small scale wind.

Companion bills, SB 1419 (Lucio) and HB 3478 (Gallego) would require at least 4,000 MW of electrical generating capacity from these new resources by 2020.

Other Legislators invited include:
Representative O’Gonzalez Toureilles (HB 3145)- 4000 MW Non-Wind RPS w/biomass considerations;
Representative O’Swinford (HB 2520) -3000 MW emerging renewable RPS by 2020;
Senator O’Watson (SB 2020 and SB 541) and Representative O’Strama (HB 4327) -- 3000 MW Non-Wind RPS with “Made-in-Texas” incentives and Energy Storage by 2020;
Senator O’Huffman (SB 1423) and Representative O’Farabee (HB 2850) – 3000 MW Non-Wind RPS by 2025;
Senator O’ Shapleigh (SB 620) – 1500 MW NWRPS Target by 2015;
Representative O’Christian (HB 2194) – 500 MW non-wind RPS by 2017;
Senator O’Ellis (SB 435 and SB 436) – 3000 MW peak load renewable goal by 2020;
and 3000 MW base load renewable goal by 2020

Representatives will highlight the State Energy Conservation Office’s 2008 Texas Renewable Energy Resource Assessment, which states:
“Texas leads the nation in non-hydropower renewable energy potential, being rich in wind, solar, biomass and geothermal resources.” See -- http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/publications/renewenergy/pdf/executivesummar y.pdf Industry representatives and Environmental Advocates will also be present.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.