Advancing Texas Energy

Oil and gas is the lifeblood of the local economy in Wichita and Archer Counties.  The region must do all it can to ensure that its local and domestic production are maximized.

As vice-chairman of the Texas House Committee on Energy Resources, Rep. David Farabee has safeguarded policies that assist the local independent producers. The Energy Resources Committee is responsible for matters concerning conservation, transportation, production, and the development of various energy resources in the state.  Though his membership on this important committee, David continues to work for the betterment of  local energy resources, as well as enhance the economic interests for Texas in energy policy.

David was a strong supporter of House Bill 3693, that passed into law in 2007 and called for electricity efficiency and conservation incentives in Texas.  The legislation strengthened requirements under which electric utilities must meet new electricity demand through cost-effective efficiency gains, and created a Memorial Day Weekend sales and use tax exemption for dishwashers, clothes washers, programmable thermostats, light bulbs, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and certain air conditioners and refrigerators.

What lies ahead

During the upcoming Texas Legislative Session, incentives may be proposed for technologies such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery – a technique where a CO2 injection increases the amount of oil that can be extracted from an oil field – and CO2 storage.

Also up for consideration is the funding and expansion of the advanced clean-energy project grant and loan program established by the Texas Legislature in 2007.  The program was established to encourage the development of advanced clean energy projects in an environmentally protective manner.

David believes that, as stewards for Texas, we mush address efficiency and conservation measures that will protect our great state for generations to come.  He will work to ensure that the Oil Field Cleanup Fund, a state account used to plug abandoned wells and remediate contaminated drilling sites, is concentrated on abandoned wells.

The Legislature will also continue its discussion regarding alternative fuels such as wind, solar and biomass.