SC Texas News

Wharton Independent School District (ISD) voted in Chapter 313 tax abatements for the AP Solar 6 farm, which limits the taxable value of the project to $30 million per year from $300 million per year. 

In response, opponents allege renewable energy companies are giving a bad name to abatements by taking advantage of the process. 

“The general public was given very little information about the project nor was there enough time for them to do their own homework,” Lacricia Ryan, a local activist, said. “The average Wharton County resident is likely clueless to the numerous other projects that are lined up following these, all hoping to receive the same form of indirect funding. They probably have little idea of how the 313 process works, and do not realize that the taxpayers of Texas are paying for these projects their selves, which saves these companies billions and intentionally withholds tax money from our schools and county.”

The Red-tailed Hawk solar project will be located on 2,500 acres of Pierce Ranch, with commercial operations planned to begin during the third quarter of 2021, according to the application submitted in May 2019 by Houston-based AP Solar Holdings.

“It still takes thousands of acres to produce a tiny fraction to what nuclear can produce, which is still a form of carbon-free electricity,” Ryan told SC Texas News. “This makes me question whether the goal is to do what is best for the Texas resident or what is best for out-of-country investors. If these projects are our future, then why do they depend on massive amounts of subsidies and indirect funding?”

Renewable energy subsidies are estimated to cost Texas taxpayers approximately $36 billion by 2029, according to a Texas Public Policy Foundation report.

“This industry has been dependent on subsidies since it began more than 25 years ago,” Ryan said in an interview. “They have been proven to divide a community, indirectly inflicting harm to neighbors, often they do not include decommission bonds and they rely on the nation, state and local authorities to indirectly fund their project, which now makes them a public topic. These projects are often given a local sounding name but the parent company is based out of the USA. With no long-term jobs and no long-term business growth, I do not believe renewables should be eligible for any form of tax abatements especially at the state and local level.”

Ryan advises other concerned citizens to take action on the local level.

“Be in touch with your elected officials,” she said. “They are your voice. Know your school board members and everyone in commissioners court. Learn when board meeting agendas will be released, and be sure to follow them every month. Express your thoughts and concerns, not once but frequently. Reach out to your state representatives, congressmen, and Senate members. Although these people are busy, do not be afraid to send an email often, and take the time to talk with their staff. Reach out to your neighbors, and bring awareness to the funding renewables are receiving and the lack of transparency in the process. Encourage them to also reach out to elected officials.”