Great news! SB 545 has been placed on the House Major State Calendar for tomorrow (Monday May 25th). This is a major breakthrough for solar and other developing renewable energy in Texas. ACT cannot stress enough how essential it is for the 81st Legislature to pass this bill.

Even though the Texas House has been at a vitrual standstill over the past three days, believe it or not, there’s still time enough for the House to take up this bill. The deadline for Senate bills to pass to second reading in the House is midnight on Tuesday May 26th. Here’s what you can do right now to help Texas go solar in 2009.

Please contact your representative to let her or him know that you support SB 545. Texas can be the nation’s leader in renewable energy if we make this commitment right now. Making solar and other renewable energy a part of Texas’ energy future will benefit both our economy and our environment. 2009 is the year for Texas to take bold action on this crucial issue.

Contact information for each representative is available here. You may also find out who represents you if you’re not sure.

Thank you for your help on this important bill. We’ll continue to update the ACT website regularly and post breaking news on Twitter.

Most of the bills on ACT’s list from yesterday are back on the list today. (The Austin American Statesman reports that the House made it through 6.5 pages of a 24-page calendar). The good news: HB 1182 by Representative Turner passed to engrossment.

Representative Anchia’s trio of energy efficiency bills remain a top priority. By passing these, the House will enable Texas to adopt a set of efficiency measures that will help lower emissions by decreasing the overall demand for electricity.

Energy Efficiency:

Renewable Energy:

Clean Air:

To receive updates on the debate and votes, follow ACT on Twitter. To receive action alerts on ACT priority legislation, join our mailing list.