Kinky Friedman Outlines Ambitious Energy Plan for Texas

[Blake]

AUSTIN, Texas -- August 16, 2006 -- Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman today unveiled his energy plan for Texas, which aims to reverse the state's current position as a net importer of energy by expanding existing development of renewable energies while systematically improving conventional power generation in Texas.


"Texas was once the world's leading energy producer," Friedman said. "And until 1994, we were exporting energy. But today, we're paying for it. We have the resources to be self-sufficient. We have enormous solar, wind and biofuel capabilities. What we lack is leadership."


Friedman's plan takes Texas' current Renewable Portfolio Standard and ups the ante, committing to a "20% by 2020" plan that states Texas would generate 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2020.


The plan, which is more aggressive than anything previously considered by Texas lawmakers, is not only achievable but critical, Friedman said.


"Today, our capacity to generate energy from wind, solar and biofuel sources is 400 times greater than the amount we're currently using," he added. "Renewable energy sources can be found in every corner of the Lone Star State. Why aren't we tapping into them?"

The "20% by 2020" plan could make an $18 billion difference to Texans by reducing current expenditures and generating new revenue. According to the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, which advocates the "20% by 2020" plan, Texans could save as much as $5.5 billion in total electric bills while realizing nearly $10 billion in new capital investments through the expansion of renewable energy initiatives. In addition, 40,000 new jobs could be created bringing about $900 million in new income to Texas families.


Encouraging the use of renewable power is possible through utilization of existing funds, such as the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Technology Fund, as well as by prioritizing government expenditures in renewable energy and providing economic incentives for the development and expansion of renewable energy programs.


Friedman said Texas' current administration continues to support power generation using fossil fuels that negatively impact our environment and our quality of life, citing proposed new coal plants as one example of a governor "owned by the lobbyists and special interest groups."


"Texas residents and small business owners have been paying a hefty price for electricity that only gets more and more expensive," he said. "The average Texan has seen power bills increase by more than 80% under the current administration. Texans have gotten dirty electricity from an administration all too willing to leap into bed with the entrenched power lobby at the expense of innovation."
Kinky will work to promote renewable fuels by discouraging construction of antiquated facilities such as coal-fired plants, encouraging construction of cleaner natural gas facilities, and offering tax breaks for companies that either reduce current pollution levels or retrofit their facilities with gasification technology.


Friedman also vowed to crack down on polluters.

"Under previous governors, it paid to break environmental laws. They viewed fines and penalties as a routine cost of doing business," Friedman said. "Under my administration, polluters will pay dearly when they violate the law."
Friedman also vowed to push for additional funding and personnel for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and to encourage and pass legislation that would ensure higher efficiency standards for electricity-using devices.


Friedman would also explore the creation of a Texas Department of Energy to centralize the state's energy policy and regulation.


"Energy is too important to the future of Texas to leave in the hands of disparate agencies and bureaucracies," Friedman said. "The department would be headed by Texans who are not beholden to special interests but are instead committed to looking out for taxpayers and meeting the future energy needs of this state."


Friedman's energy plan is his second major policy announcement of the summer. In June, he unveiled his seven-point political reform agenda. He will release a health care plan this fall. Friedman already has shared his proposal for creating a permanent revenue stream for education, which includes legalizing casino gambling with a local approval option and constitutionally dedicating those funds for education.

[Dionysos]

Good to hear. Any ideas what Perry & Strayhorn have said on the same subject?

[Adam D]

Probably nothing of any value.

[Hey Bubu]

TALK IS CHEAP, but way to go on the ideas.

[Sinner]

For whatever it's worth:
I heard on NPR Perry, this morning or last night, talking about that we are doing fine on energy and that we produced more energy off wind power than CA this past year. (which is a good thing?)

What's funny is I just said this in front of a room full of republican CPA's and I nearly had to flee to roon for speaking such a foul word as "Perry". This shall be an interesting Nov.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by Dionysos

Good to hear. Any ideas what Perry & Strayhorn have said on the same subject?

i'm not sure.... i can't find anything current for perry, or anything at all for strayhorn.

[BrandonWhat]

So what are the chances he'll be taking his seat in office?

[Coquette]

He's coming to the city that I work in to speak. If anyone is interested in coming - shoot me a pm and I'll give you the details

[PETA]

Originally Posted by BrandonWhat

So what are the chances he'll be taking his seat in office?

I don't know if that's the most important outcome... I refer you to Jesse the Body Ventura's performance in MN.

Anyway, there is still great value in what he's doing. Being involved in the process and bringing up important issues, such as energy, denies the opportunity for the other candidates to duck and ignore. It forces them to address these issues and take a stand. That, hopefully, is in the best interests of Texas in the long run.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by BrandonWhat

So what are the chances he'll be taking his seat in office?

http://dallasdancemusic.com/forums/s...d.php?t=204718
http://www.dailytimes.com/story.lass...8675d05b56b9c8
http://www.dailytimes.com/story.lass...a468cca459ae4c

the more mudslinging strayhorn & perry do to each other, the more golden kinky looks. esp. when the other 2 are fighting over building new highways & such. i don't think most regular folks care about any of that as much as rising energy costs. he's a breath of fresh air right now.

[JoshM]

Originally Posted by Luxe

the more mudslinging strayhorn & perry do to each other, the more golden kinky looks. esp. when the other 2 are fighting over building new highways & such. i don't think most regular folks care about any of that as much as rising energy costs. he's a breath of fresh air right now.

I agree. Its a good political move for him too as well as a good move in general. I'm sure the competing industries will be lobbying the other direction to keep him out. Let’s just hope the people have enough sense to vote for the best person with the best ideas and not the one that has the largest campaign budget.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by Dionysos

Good to hear. Any ideas what Perry & Strayhorn have said on the same subject?

I found something for Strayhorn. Her site sucks content wise (not much on her views at all), but I dug this up:

http://www.carolestrayhorn.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=38

[Blake]

Originally Posted by JoshM

Let’s just hope the people have enough sense to vote for the best person with the best ideas and not the one that has the largest campaign budget.

we can only hope. but, it looks like more people are catching on to kinky. a year (+) ago when he announced his running, most people were like "kinky who?"

i'm glad to see that he's "catching on" to everyone.