Move Texas Beyond Fossil Fuels Into Alternative Energy

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WHEREAS, the state of Texas is a national leader in energy production and home to many international energy
companies, Texas must in turn be a leader in formulating energy policy and in responsible energy production and use.
Consequently, the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) must push Texas to adopt a comprehensive energy plan where sound
energy principles strengthen our energy security, diversify our energy mix, provide Texans and all Americans with
reliable, safe, and affordable energy sources, and support a long-term solution to global climate change.

WHEREAS, electricity is an energy carrier that can satisfy most energy demands and can be easily produced by
alternative energy sources, and;

WHEREAS, energy-efficient technologies and energy conservation are among the most important ways for the state of
Texas to reduce its energy consumption, benefiting both consumers and producers of energy, and;

WHEREAS, Texas has historically been and will continue to be a vital source of our Nation’s petroleum, petroleum
products, and coal and coal-derived energy, and

WHEREAS, the pool of technically capable students and educational curriculum in Texas is insufficient to meet both the
R&D, and the personnel demands, and the of the energy industry, and;

WHEREAS, scientific evidence is now overwhelming that climate change presents a very serious risk, and;

WHEREAS, increased global demand has resulted in sharp increases in the cost of oil, and recognizing that transportation
relies almost exclusively on oil, 60% of which is imported; therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the TDP:

-Shall strongly promote the development of alternative energy sources that do not negatively impact the environment,
and;

-Supports moving beyond fossil fuels into alternatives such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydro, and development of
sustainable versions of alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and biomass; as well as promoting research
exploring for presently unknown energy resources.

-Ensures that Texas becomes a leader in resolving the climate change issue by immediately legislating measures
endorsing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 80% for the state of Texas by 2050 or earlier.

-Should support the furtherance of energy-efficient technologies such as green buildings, energy-saving appliances,
advanced lighting technology, and significantly better fuel economy standards for Texas state government vehicles
and enacting policies to aid local governments in becoming more energy efficient.

-Should stress the need for Texas to develop transportation solutions that do not rely on oil.

-Shall ensure that energy policies regarding existing or future implementations must consider effects on public health
and the environment. Furthermore, energy policies and projects must include provisions for the monitoring and
enforcement of current and future State and Federal environmental codes.

-Shall promote policies that educate and encourage elementary, secondary, and college students to pursue careers in
the energy industry.

Resolution drafted by OilPatch Democrats Energy Policy Committee, Mar. 1, 2008