Council to focus state’s renewable energy policies

AUSTIN – Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples called to order the new Texas Bioenergy Policy Council. The council was created by the 81st Texas Legislature to make the state a leader in biofuel and biomass production. “The Legislature has given this council a powerful opportunity to put together a strategic roadmap for attracting sustainable bioenegy to Texas,” Commissioner Staples said. “Texas is a leader in both energy and agriculture. By intersecting two of our state’s largest industries, Texas can position itself as a global leader in the future production of renewable energy.”

Commissioner Staples set forth the criteria that will guide the council as it works to meet its goal of making Texas the renewable energy capital of the world.

“For bioenergy policy to be successful in Texas, we must ensure it is sustainable, equitable and defensible,” Commissioner Staples said. “The bioenergy industry in Texas must be able to stand on its own two feet; the government should not set mandates and choose winners and losers; and taxpayers must have confidence in and see benefit from the policy.”

The council heard its first testimony from attorney and federal policy analyst Curt Rich. Rich is an expert on issues related to energy, the environment and tax policy. He believes the Lone Star State has the resources to lead the world into a new century, where renewable fuels join fossil fuels to power the planet.

“Texas is in a very good position and has the opportunity to be the cradle for advanced biofuels of the United States,” Rich said.

Two legislators sit on the panel – Sen. Craig Estes and Rep. Rick Hardcastle.

“This is the Legislature’s latest effort to make sure we are in a position to one day have energy independence,” Sen. Estes said. “This council needs to work together to better Texas and to assist in developing new fuels for our great state.”

The bioenergy council will meet over the next year to develop a comprehensive action plan.