In 2019, Texas accounted for 41% of the nation's crude oil production and 25% of its marketed natural gas production. The oil and gas industry raked in $16 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2019.
But as the effects of climate change are becoming more extreme, environmental activists are pushing for cleaner, greener options.
How would renewable energy affect the Texan economy? Is it more expensive? Will it take away jobs in West Texas? Is it worth the cost?
If Texas doesn't move towards 100% renewable energy, where will the climate stand in a decade? What are the pros and cons of renewable energy for those not in the energy industry? What makes energy "renewable"?
Guests:
- Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas
- Bob Hebner, Ph.D., director of the Center for Electromechanics in the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin
- Justin Miller, reporter for the Texas Observer
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Tuesday, August 18.
