Survey shows majority of Texans back shift to solar energy
In Texas, the University of Houston reported that a majority of Texans support expanding the country’s reliance on solar and other alternative sources of energy. A recent survey report released by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston, showed that while 64% of Texans favor expanding U.S. reliance on solar power plants, 59% favor reliance on geothermal plants and 57% favor reliance on wind turbine farms. In comparison, 42% favored increasing reliance on nuclear power plants and natural gas-fired power plants. The survey also showed that 90% of Texans also supported net-metering legislation that would allow homes and businesses with solar panels to sell any extra power they generate back to the electric grid for the same price that the utility charges consumers to buy the electricity. And 82% supported tax incentives for homeowners and businesses to install rooftop solar panels and battery storage. “Texas has an established energy legacy – it leads the nation in both energy production and consumption. But we are part of the energy transition and a majority of Texans across-the-board – across partisan lines – are supporting alternate energy sources,” said Renée Cross, senior executive director and researcher at the Hobby School.
