Gov. Abbott vows to exclude renewable energy from any revived economic incentive program [Video]

As Gov. Greg Abbott signals stronger support for the creation of a new program to replace a multibillion dollar corporate tax break program that expired last year, he’s also drawing a clear line in the sand: wind and solar energy projects need not apply.

“I support [the program] not providing economic incentives for renewables,” Abbott said during a news conference in Austin. “There’s already federal incentives for renewable projects, and those will continue to be allowed. As it concerns especially energy and power and the power grid, our focus is on dispatchable power,” such as natural gas or coal.

Abbott’s comments lay down a clear marker as a massive coalition of business groups try to revamp Texas’ economic development tools following the expiration of the program known as Chapter 313. In 2021, the Texas Senate declined to consider a bill extending the program, which discounted local property taxes to lure …