Senate Bill 624 To Limit Solar Energy In Texas If Passed

The Texas legislature has introduced a new bill, Senate Bill 624, which will affect how property owners use clean energy. If passed, the bill would make it more difficult for owners to install systems that would generate wind and solar power.

What Is Senate Bill 624?

Senate Bill 624 was introduced earlier this year and is currently being considered by the Texas legislature. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, Mayes Middleton, and Bryan Hughes are the co-sponsors of the bill.

If passed into law, the bill would significantly restrict the generation of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power. It would require property owners to secure permits before installing any kind of clean energy system.

However, securing a permit involves a lengthy process requiring a Texas resident to attend a public meeting to open the floor to comments. It would also require several surveys and assessments and a website with details concerning the project.

Additionally, the bill would also regulate the placement of wind turbines. According to the bill, any Texas resident that wishes to utilize wind turbines must place them 3,000 feet away from the property line. The only exception is if the resident obtains permission from neighboring property owners.

Growing Concerns Among Clean Energy Advocates

Senate Bill 624, if passed, would severely affect the renewable energy market in Texas. It will discourage residents from pursuing wind and solar power, impacting the environment.

University of Texas at Austin research scientist Joshua D. Rhodes expressed his own concerns in a tweet saying, “Looks like Texas #SB624 would turn all of Texas into an HOA where your neighbors are now going to be able to tell you what you can and can’t do on your own property.”

Interestingly, the bill does not establish the same permitting requirements for dirty energy sources like coal and oil.

The bill isn’t poised to apply to small residential systems in its current language. It will only apply to facilities with a capacity of at least 10 megawatts to connect with a transmission facility. However, many larger properties will certainly see its effects. If an HOA meets the capacity, it will also be subject to the bill.

While the bill doesn’t directly impact residential systems, clean energy advocates believe that it will destabilize the energy grid and increase the cost of electricity for all Texans. Legislators see the bill as protecting water, land, and wildlife from renewable energy generation. However, advocates aren’t buying it, as the bill doesn’t place the same requirements on dirty energy sources.

If passed into law, SB 624 would take effect this September.