Energy Storage and Pollution

Yesterday I had the privilege of laying out my bill, H.B. 2712, for a third reading before the Texas House of Representatives. H.B. 2712 relates to energy storage in non-attainment areas which can be utilized to reduce emissions.

Energy storage mitigates emissions and helps control air pollution caused by refineries. Electrical power grids used to distribute electricity throughout plants often times face frequency fluctuations and black-out periods which cause industrial facilities to experience massive emission excursions.

Emission limitations in non-attainment areas make it difficult to create new technology. Energy storage can charge from the electric grid and discharge the energy in a non-attainment area when needed. Because energy storage is emission free, a facility may receive power while avoiding pollution issues.

Energy storage has recently emerged and is being developed in other areas of the country. I strongly believe this bill will serve as a great benefit to our district and the well-being of the individuals that call Southeast Houston their home.

The photos above show emissions being released into the air that our children and families intake on a daily basis. Statistics relating to emissions and air pollution revealed that a person who lives along the Houston Ship Channel lives fourteen years fewer than the national average. The data also reported that children living in the area are 56% more likely to develop Leukemia and twice as likely to develop asthma.

With only 19 days left in the 83rd legislative session, I will continue to fight for the needs of my constituents. More importantly, I will continue to take your concerns into consideration as I vote in the best interest of District 144.

Kindest Regards,

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Update from the House Chamber

Earlier today, I laid out my sponsor bill, S.B. 1226 by Sen. Zaffirini, before the House Committee on Economic and Small Business Development. The bill relates to the establishment of an employment-first policy and task force to promote competitive employment opportunities that provide a living wage for individuals with disabilities.

Of the four witnesses that testified for the bill, my staff had the opportunity to visit one-on-one with Nathan Williams, a young man with developmental disabilities who wanted nothing more than to earn a living wage for himself. Through great programs that Texas currently offers, Nathan was able to find employment at Schlotzsky's, a job he truly enjoys. If passed, S.B. 1226 will change how employment services for Texans with disabilities are thought of. By making employment for all a top priority, it results in having the same expectations, responsibilities, and standards for people with disabilities.