12 Energy and Resiliency Reforms for a Cleaner, Freer and Stronger Texas
WASHINGTON (April 25)—In a new report, R Street Institute Texas Director Josiah Neeley and Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute policy analyst Matt Patterson give a comprehensive account of their 12 energy and resiliency reforms for the state of Texas.
Implementing this conservative energy agenda, they argue, will not only improve the environment and economy, but also the freedoms of Texans.
The report presents a market-based reform agenda for Texas, which includes improvements for electricity, transportation, energy production and weather resiliency. By diving into the details of possible reforms to geothermal energy, battery storage, electricity grids, water rights and other crucial issues, Neely and Patterson make the case for significant and positive shifts in Texas’ energy policy.
“By removing regulatory barriers to lowering emissions in the electricity, transportation, and energy production sectors, Texas can leave the next generation with a government and an economy that is both leaner and cleaner,” said Neeley. “Similarly, conservative reforms to the way Texas deals with extreme weather can lessen damage . . . whether it is adapting to a changing climate or reducing emissions, it is imperative that policymakers unleash free enterprise, not restrict it,” added Patterson.
Texas conservatives need not look beyond foundational principles for crafting this positive agenda. Cutting red tape and taxes, as well as increasing the scope of markets, are some of the best ways to increase resiliency and improve emissions profiles.
Because of its leading position as an energy-rich, economically thriving state that has a well- deserved reputation for valuing limited government and freedom, Texas is an obvious choice to use as a model for a conservative, market-driven climate approach.
Read the full study here.
Three key points:
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Conservative principles are more than up to the task of solving important environmental issues, but a lack of a positive policy vision can make the opposite seem true.
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Conservatives should embrace the many policy options at their disposal that align fully with foundational conservative principles.
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There are many ways in which Texas could improve its emissions profile and become more resilient to extreme weather while simultaneously making the state freer, more prosperous and more economically dynamic.