Texas Green Network and Green Legislation Update at Sustainable Waves

I just had to make it to the Texas Green Network monthly meeting yesterday at Sustainable Waves! As a musician myself, I was awestruck by the idea of solar powered sound stages and concert gear.  It would have been amazing in the old days if I could have powered my keyboard and band amps by the sun!  I’ll have to keep that in mind for my next gig.  I’ve posted several photos from the event.  I love their solar powered stage!

The Duncan+Finn Group at the Texas Green Network

My firm, The Duncan+Finn Group had a table at the meeting.  We met some awesome representatives of Austin’s green community.  Thanks to Reed Sternberg and the Texas Green Network for putting on an outstanding meeting!

Also located at Sustainable Waves is Hubbert’s Peak.  This nonprofit offers a demonstration laboratory that houses a venue for the alternative energy industry to demonstrate new technologies.  They also provide hands-on experience for students interested in training or re-training for a career in the emerging “green collar” industry.  I met some great people from Hubbert’s.

Sustainable Waves Solar Tree

Other than being awestruck by the concept of solar powered band gear, I was also quite interested in the keynote address by Luke Metzger (@lukemetzger), Director of Environment Texas. He listed some of the green successes that are happening in the current Texas Legislative Session.  If you are an environmentally minded Texan, be sure to follow Luke on Twitter (@lukemetzger).

Luke Metzger, Director of Environment Texas on The Solar Stage

Since Texas already leads the nation in total energy produced by the wind, Environment Texas is focused on solar initiatives this year.  About a dozen bills have been filed for this session.  One of the goals of the legislation is for Texas to produce at least 4,000 megawatts of electricity from solar by 2020.  The Texas Senate has already passed a bill that would create a $500 million solar rebate program.  The bill is expected to raise about $100 million annually over five years for solar and 30% of that money would be for residential solar installations with the remaining 70% for utility scale installations.  The rebates will cover 30% of production costs, adding to the 30% already offered by the Federal government.   A Senate committee also advanced a bill that would mandate roughly a 60% increase in the state’s renewable energy supply from sources other than wind.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the Texas Legislature does the right thing to promote clean energy.  I’ve heard some terrible rumors that lobbyists from the oil and coal sectors are trying to block some of the bills.  What’s up with that?  Aren’t we in this together to figure out a way to increase sustainable energy, add jobs, and still make money?

Solar Powered Band Gear

Since the legislators only meet every two years, and the session is almost over, people need to act quickly and communicate with their senators and representatives ASAP.  For community action groups and grass roots organizers  social media is absolutely essential to get the word out.  Using services like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other networks is the best way to quickly mobilize a rapid response team for important green issues.  But before you do that,  please get your strategy and an action plan together.  You know how I love to rant about this.  Don’t want to beat a dead horse on strategy, but it’s the key component that is always missing in most programs.  Plus social media requires a sizable time commitment, so be prepared!  But, the rewards will be well worth it.  If you plan properly and provide adequate manpower, social media can dramatically impact and accelerate your grassroots campaign!