Energy

The Texas Sales Tax Holiday offers tax exemptions on ENERGY STAR and WaterSense products from May 28-30 to encourage energy and water conservation amidst rising energy costs and grid challenges. The event allows tax-free purchases on select appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers, but excludes solar products and energy-efficient windows.

Tarrant County activists, led by John MacFarlane, formed the Environmental Justice Coalition of Fort Worth to address disproportionate environmental impacts on minority communities. They propose revisions to gas drilling ordinances, focusing on health and safety, and aim to develop a citywide climate action plan.

Protestors in Fort Worth gathered against TotalEnergies' Russian ties, criticizing their investments supporting Russia’s regime amidst its military aggression in Ukraine. TotalEnergies announced a halt to Russian oil purchases but remains tied to Novatek. Environmental and social groups back the protest, demanding divestment and alternative energy transition.

Farmers Branch is set to meet its municipal electric demand via a solar farm on a former landfill. B.Q. Energy will construct the 20-acre site generating 13.6 million kWh annually, enough to power city facilities and 1,100 homes, utilizing advanced polycrystalline panels.

Russian hackers are probing Texas' energy infrastructure for weak points to steal information or disrupt operations, raising cybersecurity concerns since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Texas power grid and energy sector face elevated threats, with potential consequences including power outages, halted oil and gas shipments, and refinery disruptions.

Environmental groups including Beyond Nuclear and Sierra Club are suing the NRC for approving a temporary high-level radioactive waste storage facility in West Texas, arguing it poses safety risks and violates federal laws. Texas and New Mexico also oppose the facility, expected to store vast nuclear waste amounts.

An Afghan immigrant family in Plano received solar panel installation assistance from Solar United Neighbors and Habitat for Humanity. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2015, they partnered with these organizations for renewable energy benefits. The project was supported by RISE Power and praised by Plano Solar Advocates.

Texas disputes NRC's approval of a high-level radioactive waste facility in West Texas, contradicting recent state law. Environmentalists and local groups contest the site's legality and safety, citing risks to the Ogallala Aquifer and on-route cities. Critics also challenge the site's "temporary" status amidst broader nuclear waste challenges.

Rivian Automotive plans a $5 billion plant on Fort Worth's west side to produce zero-emissions vehicles. Emphasizing sustainability, the company aims for net-zero carbon output, preserve 300 acres, and collaborate with the Open Space Conservation Program. Fort Worth has approved a $440 million tax incentive for the project.

Gas and electric suppliers face an uncertain future, which Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute considers positive. At the North Texas Renewable Energy Group meeting, he'll discuss upcoming energy industry disruptions driven by innovations, advocating for a transition to renewable energy over reliance on oil and gas.