Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

April 8, 2009

~HB 1652, HB 1823 Aim to Spark Alternative Energy Development in Texas~

Watch the Video!

AUSTIN-- Rep. Solomon Ortiz, Jr. announced today that he is pushing two bills to make Texas a leader in alternative energy.

House Bill 1652 requires at least 20 percent of the Texas Enterprise Fund and at least 30 percent of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to go toward businesses that promote alternative energy sources or energy efficiency technology.

"HB 1652 sends the message to alternative energy companies across the nation and the world --Texas wants your business," Ortiz said. "With billions in federal stimulus dollars going toward alternative energy projects, this bill helps Texas companies leverage stimulus dollars and get the greatest economic impact possible."

The concept is endorsed by the Catalyst Project, a coalition of business and policy groups who want to attract the next generation of energy development to Texas.

"Economic development in Corpus Christi has been my top priority since I was elected," Ortiz continued. "With the downturn in the national economy, it's more important than ever to bring jobs to the Coastal Bend, and alternative energy is a great place to start. Our region has enormous potential when it comes to renewable energy."

House Bill 1823 exempts the purchase of renewable energy devices and equipment from state sales tax. The bill covers devices that provide heating or cooling or produce power from renewable sources. Wind, water, solar, geothermal or biomass-powered devices are all included.

"A sales tax exemption is a good way to encourage use and development of renewable energy technologies," Ortiz said. "We need to be promoting large-scale development of these technologies, but also incentivize their use across the board. This bill will encourage the purchase of renewable systems by reducing the upfront costs for consumers."

Ortiz represents District 33, which includes part of Nueces County and the City of Corpus Christi. Rep. Ortiz encourages constituents to contact his office on this or any issue of interest at (512) 463-0484, email him at district33.ortizjr@house.state.tx.us or visit the Texas House of Representatives web site at www.house.state.tx.us.