Abbott highlights Big Oil favoritism during State of the State Address

TEXAS – Tonight, Governor Greg Abbott held the State of the State address at Arnold Oil Company. As the most prolific producer of natural gas in the United States,Texas is ground zero for industry billionaires using their wealth to sway politicians in their favor. At the same time, Texas is among the leading states in the country for clean energy jobs, and workers in clean energy now outnumber those in the oil and gas industry in Texas. However, Governor Abbott chose to highlight only the jobs that benefit the same Big Oil billionaires who back him, neglecting to mention the significant and growing impact of renewable energy on millions of Texans’ pocketbooks. 

“Despite Governor Abbott’s best attempts, Texans aren’t fooled by bad policy and worse politics,” says Climate Power Advisory Board Member for Texas and State Senator Sarah Eckhart. “The corporate takeover of our democracy makes all of our communities more vulnerable to the climate crisis. Instead of cashing checks to fund his campaigns, the governor should listen to the real voices of Texas–who recognize the future of wind and solar energy and understand the promise it holds for our state.”  

“The governor’s refusal to recognize the value of renewables is short-sighted and self-defeating,” says Mónica Perez, Climate Power’s States Managing Director. “Everyday, working Texans are investing in the state’s growing clean energy industry and strengthening the electrical grid. It’s time for the governor to acknowledge renewable energy jobs and the clean and affordable power they generate to keep everyone’s lights on.”

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