Texas Senate Bill SR456

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Commending the Texas Army National Guard on its commitment to pursuing energy efficiency and water conservation.

Impact

The resolution underscores the positive contributions of the Texas Army National Guard to statewide efforts in resource conservation. By implementing energy conservation projects funded by the State Energy Conservation Office and federal agencies, the Guard exemplifies how military operations can effectively intersect with state environmental objectives. This commitment translates into real benefits such as reduced energy costs and more efficient use of resources, allowing the Guard to redirect funding toward critical initiatives like training and equipment maintenance. It reinforces the importance of integrating sustainability practices into military operations, potentially influencing other state departments and agencies to follow suit.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 456 commends the Texas Army National Guard for its commitment to energy efficiency and water conservation. The resolution highlights the Guard's notable efforts in utilizing renewable energy sources, particularly solar, wind, and geothermal, in their daily operations across Texas. With several facilities located in water-stressed areas, the Guard has taken significant steps to minimize energy consumption, demonstrating leadership at both state and national levels in renewable resource management. The resolution portrays the Guard as a proactive entity in the pursuit of sustainability, especially under the increasing demands for renewable energy usage from the United States Department of Defense.

Contention

While the resolution is largely uncontroversial and recognizes the achievements of the Texas Army National Guard, the broader implications of military resource allocation and environmental stewardship could spark discussions on dependency on military budgets for sustainable initiatives. Critics of similar resolutions may argue that such military investments should not be prioritized over local governance and community resources, which may also require urgent attention to combat local water shortages and energy inefficiencies. However, the resolution itself focuses on the positive and collaborative nature of the Guard’s endeavors, with no recorded opposition within the Senate discussions.