The House and Senate Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucuses sponsored a Congressional briefing on how renewable energy and energy efficiency benefit the economy and environment in Texas. The briefing was also sponsored by the Sustainable Energy Coalition and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

The expert briefing panel included:

According to the Texas Sustainable Energy Development Council, Texas ranks first in total energy consumption in the nation. Because of declining fossil fuel production combined with continued growth, Texas also has become a net energy importer. Texas has more renewable energy potential than any other state. Wind power alone could generate up to 136,000 megawatts of electricity, more than twice the state’s total generating capacity. One acre of land in West Texas can produce the equivalent of 800 barrels of oil a year from sunlight. Texas is also a large producer of biomass. Approximately 50 percent of the lumber companies and 75 percent of the paper companies in Texas use wood waste to generate electricity.