Why Texas?
Texas, already the nation’s leader in wind power, is well-positioned to become a leader in electric vehicles, for many reasons.
EVs would go a long way toward improving air quality:
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The widespread use of electric vehicles would dramatically reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions, including ozone, particulates and greenhouse gases.
Three of Texas’ major urban centers – the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Houston / Galveston, and El Paso – are considered “non-attainment” areas by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act, and are under strict mandates to improve air quality. Several other areas, including Austin, San Antonio, Victoria, Tyler / Longview, Beaumont / Port Arthur, and Corpus Christi – are considered near-non-attainment because they are close to exceeding federal air quality standards.
NON-ATTAINMENT
- Dallas-Fort Worth
- Houston / Galveston
- El Paso
NEAR NON-ATTAINMENT
- Austin
- San Antonio
- Victoria
- Tyler / Longview
- Beaumont / Port Arthur
- Corpus Christi
A cleaner mix of energy from wind and solar will provide an ideal complement to EVs:
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Texas leads the nation in wind power, which releases zero emissions, and has enormous potential for the further development of solar power and other renewable sources of energy.
Wind power is an ideal complement to plug-in technology, as wind generation peaks at night, when most motorists will recharge their vehicles. Nighttime recharging also enables consumers to tap into under-utilized generating capacity during off-peak hours.
Many state leaders are strongly supportive of alternative fuels:
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Texas lawmakers will be asked to consider resurrecting a popular statewide program in TERP at the TCEQ that provided a $2,500 incentive for Texans who purchase a hybrid or all-electric vehicle, as well as natural gas, propane and hydrogen light duty vehicles.
Several Texas companies are developing a new generation of batteries for use in plug-in vehicles and are seeking federal funds that would further accelerate the development and commercial production of longer-lasting batteries.
Finally, Texas is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state, and has tax policies that support investment by its business community. State policies also feature a streamlined site and permitting process that encourages development in the Texas energy infrastructure.