Two years after winter storm Uri devastated the Texas power grid, a majority of Texans support increasing the nation's reliance on solar power and other alternative energy sources, according to a recent research report from the University of Houston School of Public Affairs.
64% of Texans support increasing US reliance on solar energy, 59% favor geothermal energy, and 57% favor wind farms.
By comparison, 42% support increased use of nuclear power plants and natural gas-fired power plants. Most of the 41% who supported America's growing dependence on conventional offshore oil and gas came from the baby boomer generation.
Texans also overwhelmingly (90%) supported net metering legislation that would allow homes and businesses with solar panels to sell excess electricity they generate back to the grid at the same price that utilities charge customers. and 82% supported tax incentives for homeowners and businesses to install rooftop solar panels and batteries.
The Hobby School Energy Report is the seventh and final report in the Texas Legislative Issues 2023 project. Power plants, support for home solar legislation and interest in installing solar panels and energy storage systems. between owners.
"Texas has a sustainable energy legacy -- it's a national leader in energy production and consumption. But we're part of the energy transition, and in much of Texas, beyond the sister party, we support alternative energy sources," Renee said. Cross, executive director. Director of the school of interest and researcher
Respondents who support increased reliance on solar power plants represent 80% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans. The Clean Accounting Act found even wider support, with 93% of Democrats and 90% of Republicans.
Mark P. Jones, a senior fellow at the Hobby School and a political scientist at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, noted that “between January 2021 and January 2023, there was a significant increase in the share of offshore conventions of 8% versus 11% Oil and gas wells , fracking. And Texans support America's increasing reliance on coal power.
Other survey results include:
- 77% of Texans support using part of the state's $33 billion budget surplus for one-time tax credits or business incentives to encourage immediate construction of natural gas-fired power plants to improve grid reliability. Among them are 87% Republicans and 69% Democrats from Texas.
- 57% of Texans support increasing America's reliance on hydroelectric power.
- 54% of Texans support increased reliance on hydrogen power plants: 58% of Republicans and 57% of Democrats.
- 35% support increasing America's reliance on fracking for oil and natural gas, while 42% support reducing that reliance. Among those who favored fracking, 61% were Republicans and 14% were Democrats.
- 40% supported greater reliance on traditional offshore oil and gas as an energy source.
The full energy balance is available on the home page of the school of interest.
Citation : Majority of Texans Shift to Solar (February 16, 2023) Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://techxplore.com/news/2023-02-majority-texans-shift-solar-energy.html
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