TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE APPLAUDS TEXAS ' EFFORTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY

US State News
August 15, 2007

AMARILLO, Texas , Aug. 15 -- The Texas Secretary of State issued the following news release:

During Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson's second day of his Panhandle Region tour, he visited the Wildorado Wind Ranch of Wildorado, Texas. The wind farm has the estimated capacity to meet the electricity needs of 48,000 homes and is the largest wind power facility in the region.

"Wind truly is a powerful and abundant force in Texas that has the potential to change the energy landscape of our state," stated Wilson in his weekly podcast. "With the potential to power more than 500,000 megawatts (MW) of wind turbines in the Lone Star State alone, Texas is leading the nation as an example of innovation and dedication when it comes to renewable energy."

Currently, Texas has a wind capacity of nearly 3,600 MW with more than 1000 MW of new capacity under construction. Two years ago, the legislature passed a law that increased the required amount of electricity obtained from renewable resources from 2000 MW to 5000 MW by the year 2015. Due to the cost-effectiveness of wind turbines, the majority of the required renewable energy is expected to come from wind power.

"Renewable energy, specifically wind power, is good for business," Wilson continued. "It promotes economic development and provides jobs in a variety of sectors across our state including manufacturing, service, and transportation, among others. As we continue our efforts in wind power, we are not only improving the environment of Texas, but we're improving the economy of Texas as well."

Wilson also visited Dalhart, Texas to tour the Hilmar Cheese plant, the recipient of the largest Texas Enterprise Fund grant in the panhandle region. The Hilmar Cheese expansion into Texas will bring 2,000 jobs and $190 million in capital investment to Texas over the next ten years. As the governor's designee to the Enterprise Fund, Secretary Wilson held an influential role in bringing the Hilmar Cheese Company to Texas and is proud of the economic impact the plant will have in the Dalhart community.

"I want to thank Hilmar Cheese for its commitment to this community," stated Wilson. "The jobs and capital investment this company has brought to the region will play an important role in the lives of hundreds of families in Dalhart in 2007 and for many years to come."

To hear further remarks on Texas' involvement in wind energy, visit: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/about/multimedia/index.shtml.

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