Energy
Texas is blessed with a rich history of abundant natural resources. Energy production has become one of our state's most enduring legacies. More than one hundred years after the Spindletop discovery, oil is still an important part of the Texas economy. In fact, Texas leads the nation in oil and gas production and refining. Texas's petroleum refineries can process more than 4.7 million barrels of crude oil per day, and they account for more than one-fourth of total U.S. refining capacity.
However, the recent surge in oil and gas prices proves that we must work toward increased energy independence and a diverse supply of energy sources. Senator Hutchison is leading the charge for sustainable energy production, including nuclear power, solar, wind, and other alternative fuels.Under Senator Hutchison's tenure, Texas become the nation's leader in wind-powered generation capacity; there are over 2,000 wind turbines in West Texas alone. Texas became the country's largest wind energy producer in 2006 when it surpassed California, Currently, there are over 2,000 wind turbines in West Texas alone, and the numbers continue to increase as development costs drop and wind turbine technology improves. Additionally, Texas is home to the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center in central Texas which is the largest wind power facility in the world.
Texas is a major nuclear power generating State. Two nuclear plants, Comanche Peak and South Texas Project, typically account for about one-tenth of the State's electric power production.
