East Texas lawmaker files bill to place additional tax on solar, wind energy producers

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) — State Rep. Brent Money (R-Greenville) has filed a bill that would effectively cancel out federal benefits to solar and wind energy producers.

HB 3017 would require that solar and wind producers with a capacity greater than one megawatt pay a tax equal to the total of their federal benefits.

“What this bill aims to do is to level the playing field and allow the market to decide what type of energy needs that Texas has and then for the market to meet those needs,” said Money. “I think that what we will see is cheaper, more reliable energy as a result.”

“A lot of people in my district are very concerned about the proliferation of wind farms, of these vast solar farms, they become an environmental hazard, they become a visual blight, and they are a constant reminder that the federal taxpayer dollars are propping these things up,” Money added.

Larry Howe, a volunteer for Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and self-described lifelong conservative, said the additional tax may cause businesses to move away from the Lone Star State.

“Businesses can adapt to a lot of different things, but the things they have the biggest problem with is uncertainty,” Howe added. “Attempting to throw up these barriers every couple of years makes it less stable for the business environment and maybe they’ll look to go other places, which would be unfortunate for Texas.”

Howe added that companies would pass on the cost of the tax to consumers.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has reversed many of former President Joe Biden’s green energy initiatives, including by taking the United States out of the Paris Agreement.

Even with President Trump in office, Rep. Money still feels his law is necessary.

“As a Texas policymaker I want to make sure that Texas has policies that work regardless of who the president is,” Money said.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable energy sources produced nearly 30 percent of Texas’ electricity in 2023.

HB 3017 has not been assigned to a committee.

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