By Hirschi H.R. No. 615 75R11757 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The State of Texas has long been a leader in 1-2 national and global energy resources, but our state must fully 1-3 explore and support the development of renewable energy resources 1-4 to successfully maintain the state's standing in this vital area; 1-5 and 1-6 WHEREAS, In spite of having the best renewable resource 1-7 potential in the nation, the State of Texas became a net energy 1-8 importer in 1993, with more than one billion dollars spent on coal 1-9 imports alone; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Renewable energy resources are available throughout 1-11 the state, including wind and solar energy in the Panhandle and 1-12 West Texas, biomass energy from agricultural by-products in East 1-13 Texas and the Panhandle, and methane from landfills in urban areas, 1-14 yet these resources have not been developed to their full 1-15 potential; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Wind energy is currently the fastest growing energy 1-17 source in the world, and by continuing to explore the possibilities 1-18 of wind power and other renewable energy resources, the State of 1-19 Texas will firmly place itself in the vanguard of energy producers 1-20 and open up many new employment opportunities for countless Texans; 1-21 and 1-22 WHEREAS, In our role as the elected representatives of the 1-23 citizens of the State of Texas, it is imperative that we, as a 1-24 body, provide the vision and leadership necessary to successfully 2-1 address the issue of energy production and management, for in doing 2-2 so, we will create long-term jobs, return Texas to energy 2-3 independence, and reduce the environmental impacts of traditional 2-4 forms of electrical energy; now, therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-6 Legislature hereby recognize April 14-19, 1997, as Texas Energy 2-7 Independence Week.