If we can't turn on the lights, the air conditioning or the computer, we can forget about a strong economy in Texas. A plan for ample, affordable power must be balanced with our desire for improved air quality. Bringing environmentally sound power plants on line is not an overnight process, so a proactive answer that balances enhanced capacity, air quality and affordability must be at the center of our agenda.

Dan’s efforts to address our state’s energy challenges include:

Taking High Polluting Cars Off Our Roads: Dan sponsored the bills to extend the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) & Low Income Repair Assistance Program (LIRAP).

Cracking Down on Counterfeit Inspection Stickers: Dan filed legislation to increase penalties for distributing counterfeit or unlawfully obtained vehicle inspection stickers. Local sources estimate that vehicles with illegally procured inspection stickers create at least 50 tons of NOX in the metroplex per day.

Reducing Emissions: Dan sponsored legislation to provide efficiency standards for state buildings and update building energy codes.

Wind Champion Award: Dan was honored by the Texas Wind Coalition for his work to increase the generation of renewable energy in Texas.

Texas must do its part to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign energy. Expanding power sources for Texas seems to make sense over the long  term.  Natural gas is clean, plentiful, and it appears will remain inexpensive for many years.  Nuclear power has many attributes and coal is inexpensive, but clean coal technology is a work in progress. Conservation should play a critical role, along with alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, and biomass.