Texas Offshore Wind Energy Framework 2023
Author
Amy Reed
Date Released
October 2023
Texas Offshore Wind Energy Framework 2023 Report Cover

This report is intended to support participation by Texas stakeholders in offshore wind energy decision-making by providing an overview of the most relevant state laws, regulations, and intergovernmental authorities affecting wind energy development offshore of Texas. Texas has not enacted state laws or regulations specifically governing siting of wind energy facilities in its own jurisdiction, but other state policies will influence where and how offshore wind energy and related facilities are constructed and operated in and offshore of the state. 

Environmental Justice and Renewable Energy and Storage
Author
Jim McElfish, Elissa Torres-Soto, Elly Beckerman
Date Released
December 2022
environmental justice, renewable energy, siting
Environmental Justice and Renewable Energy and Battery Storage

This white paper aims to be a practical resource for utility companies to identify environmental justice implications in the development of renewable energy and battery storage facilities, and to consider both challenges and opportunities in addressing these concerns. While it is not an exhaustive compilation of all the ways in which environmental, health, economic, or social burdens might affect communities, it suggests approaches that can be implemented to identify relevant communities and engage with actual community concerns.

Estimating U.S. Government Subsidies to Energy Sources: 2002-2008
Author
Adenike Adeyeye, James Barrett, Jordan Diamond, Lisa Goldman, John Pendergrass, and Daniel Schramm
Date Released
September 2009
Estimating U.S. Government Subsidies to Energy Sources: 2002-2008

The largest U.S subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to research released by ELI. The study, which reviewed fossil fuel and energy subsidies for Fiscal Years 2002-2008, reveals that the lion’s share of energy subsidies supported energy sources that emit high levels of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels benefited from approximately $72 billion over the seven-year period, while subsidies for renewable fuels totaled only $29 billion.

Siting Wind Energy Facilities - What Do Local Elected Officials Need to Know?
Author
James M. McElfish Jr. and Judith M. Amsalem
Date Released
February 2013
Siting Wind Energy Facilities - What Do Local Elected Officials Need to Know?

Siting Wind Energy Facilities – What Do Local Elected Officials Need to Know? is a brief guide to aid local officials in understanding commercial-scale wind siting. Local government officials presented with potential wind energy projects in their municipalities often find that clear and concise answers to their citizens ’ concerns can be difficult to locate.

State Enabling Legislation for Commercial-Scale Wind Power Siting and the Local Government Role
Author
James M. McElfish, Jr. and Sara Gersen
Date Released
May 2011
State Enabling Legislation for Commercial-Scale Wind Power Siting and the Local

Wind power currently provides less than 2 percent of the nation’s electric power, but the U.S. Department of Energy plans for an increase to 20 percent within the next 20 years. Wind energy is a growing industry sector with the potential to transform much of the nation’s industrial and energy economy, while avoiding harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Mapping the Energy-Water Policy Landscape
Author
James M. McElfish, Jr., Read Porter, and Adam Schempp
Date Released
August 2010
Mapping the Energy-Water Policy Landscape

This publication identifies the laws and policies that affect water use in the energy sector within the United States. Water quality and quantity are integral to many energy production activities. Most thermoelectric power generation plants require substantial amounts of water for steam generation and cooling, while disposal of combustion byproducts raises issues of water quality. Likewise, the extraction of oil and natural gas using enhanced recovery techniques, and handling of injected and produced water, raise state and federal concerns for oil, gas, and geothermal energy production.

Siting Wind Facilities on State-Owned Lands and Waters
Author
James M. McElfish, Jr. and Catherine McLinn
Date Released
April 2011
Siting Wind Facilities on State-Owned Lands and Waters

Siting Wind Facilities on State-Owned Lands and Waters examines opportunities that states have explored for siting commercial-scale wind facilities on lands and waters that are government-owned. State trust lands and forests and the beds of rivers and the Great Lakes offer potential opportunities for wind power that can help advance state renewable energy goals. States own large parcels that may facilitate siting commercial-scale facilities; they also control lands that may be intermingled with private or federal lands suitable for wind development.

Virginia Offshore Energy Development Law and Policy Review and Recommendations
Date Released
December 2008
Virginia Offshore Energy Development Law and Policy Review and Recommendations

Virginia is facing various forms of energy development activities offshore and in the territorial waters of the Commonwealth. These include possible proposals for wind and wave energy, liquefied natural gas transport, and natural gas drilling on the outer continental shelf, among others. State laws and policies must deal with these activities and their anticipated impacts. Virginia’s Coastal Zone Management Program has provided support for this project by the Environmental Law Institute to examine the law and policy framework in place to deal with potential activities.

Subscribe to Energy