79R7768 AMY-D

By:  Armbrister                                                   S.R. No. 255



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The population of Texas is expected to reach 35 
million by 2040; accordingly, the state's demand for energy is 
projected to increase by more than 30 percent over the next 20 
years, illustrating the importance of a safe and stable energy 
supply to sustain a promising standard of living for generations of 
Texans; and
	WHEREAS, The United States Congress is currently considering 
legislation that addresses these concerns; the Clear Skies Act of 
2005 allows utilities to take advantage of coal as the primary 
source of electricity generation, but also requires utility 
companies to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, 
and mercury by 70 percent by 2018; and
	WHEREAS, The impact of this legislation to continued economic 
development in Texas and in meeting the energy needs of the state's 
growing population is clear in light of the fact that Texas ranks 
fifth in the country among coal-producing states and leads the 
nation in coal consumption; and
	WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature has long supported public 
policy initiatives that promote the health of Texans and encourage 
a clean environment while also supporting economic growth; the 
Clear Skies Act of 2005 is one such initiative utilizing market 
forces to support utilities in meeting emission reduction targets 
using the most efficient means possible; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 79th Texas Legislature urge 
the Congress of the United States to state their commitment to the 
public and economic health of Texas and its citizens and its trust 
in the free market by passing the Clear Skies Act of 2005; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That the secretary of the Texas Senate forward 
official copies of this resolution to the president of the United 
States, to the speaker of the house of representatives and the 
president of the senate of the United States Congress, and to all 
the members of the Texas delegation to the congress with the request 
that this resolution be officially entered in the Congressional 
Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of 
America.