Coal’s End is Texas’ Gain

Ten years ago, Texas mined 50 million tons of coal per year. Today, that’s down 60%, to 20 million tons. 

Meanwhile, compared to a decade ago, Texas produces ten times as much wind, 50% more gas, and a hundred times more solar power.

Texas also currently has 500,000 energy jobs — that number will continue to grow long after coal is no longer mined or burned anywhere in Texas or the U.S. In fact, it’s likely that after coal production ceases, Texas will gain jobs because the dirtiest fuel around will be replaced by gas and renewables, all of which Texas produces more of than any other state. 

In April, the EPA released four rules to reduce: greenhouse gas emissions; mercury and air toxics; unsafe toxic waste disposal and radioactive coal sludge; and water pollution from coal plants — these are nasty, dangerous pollutants, and Texans would obviously be better off without them. 

Thing is, the Texas energy industry would be better off as well, given our abundant mix of natural resources including wind, solar, geothermal, and gas. 

This should be an area where our state’s renewables and oil and gas industries should agree: coal’s loss is Texas’ gain…