81R14251 CBE-D
By: Swinford H.C.R. No. 119
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Texas Panhandle contains the state's greatest
wind power potential and some of its best solar power potential, and
wind power and solar energy are two of the most abundant renewable
resources on earth; and
WHEREAS, Class 4 wind is prevalent throughout the region, and
the top 4 of 25 identified wind zones also exist in the Panhandle;
and
WHEREAS, Many wind power development companies are actively
pursuing projects with landowners in the region and have filed
interconnection requests with the Southwest Power Pool totaling
more than 14,000 megawatts; and
WHEREAS, The wind industry is developing relationships with
institutions of higher learning in the area, including Amarillo
College, West Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University, to
support and facilitate new jobs and economic development; and
WHEREAS, The Panhandle is further distinguished by its
numerous hours of solar intensity, which could be captured for
solar generation; according to the Climate Program Office of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the region's two
largest cities, Amarillo and Lubbock, experience sunshine more than
70 percent of the year; and
WHEREAS, With plentiful sunshine and a large expanse of
high-quality winds, the Panhandle is renowned throughout the state
and beyond for its renewable energy potential, and it is indeed
appropriate to recognize the region for its promise as a leader in
green energy production; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate the Panhandle Region of Texas as an official
Natural Renewable Resource Area.