A new article by Forbes highlights how Texas leads the nation in “smart state energy policy.” The piece describes in-depth how New York and New England caving to the demands of environmental activists have led to surging energy prices throughout the region, whereas the open market in Texas has cultivated low energy prices, large state revenues, and a strong state economy:
“While all this energy policy chaos is taking place in New York and New England, the state of Texas produces more oil, natural gas, and wind power than any state in the nation, and ranks among the top 10 in solar. While rate-payers in the northeast pay some of the highest power rates in the country, electricity and home heating are extremely cheap in Texas. While many New England states struggle with chronic budget deficit situations, the Texas state government finds itself enjoying large annual budget surpluses and a Rainy Day Fund with a balance of more than $10 billion that is funded almost entirely by taxes on oil and gas production.”
The report went on to opine that all the successes should overshadow oft-cited critiques of Texas energy nomenclature:
“Lots of people like to make fun of the fact that the Texas Railroad Commission doesn’t regulate railroads, but does regulate oil and gas operations – the Wall Street Journal recycled that tired story yet again this week, in fact. So long as their utility bills and taxes remain so low when compared to other states, however, most Texans, to paraphrase Rhett Butler, frankly don’t give a damn.”
Many of the groups on the Environmentalist Left responsible for the abysmal energy policy in the Northeast have begun to replicate their efforts in the Lone Star State. With these policies proving to be especially costly for low income families, Texas should take heed when hearing the many false claims of environmental activists.
