[heavyarms]

I think the claim is based on the public political statements made by leaders in Texas. The fact that there is a huge discrepancy in what they say publicly against the science of global warming and the utility of renewables versus what the investment numbers say is the really sad part. Basically it boils down to: I'm going to lie through my teeth to pander to the stupid people who vote for me, but I'm also going to create favorable conditions for my wealthy buddies to make a killing in renewables.

[chasd00]

i replied as sibling but deleted it. I think the point to remember is the energy industry in Texas is there to make money. If they can make money with renewables then that's what's going to happen. West Texas has a tremendous amount of wind energy and so... now we have wind farms out there. We also have a lot of flat, sunny, unusable land out in West Texas too so you're starting to see solar farms as well. No one is doing it to SaveThePlanet no matter what the pamphlet says, it's profitable in Texas so it's happening in Texas.

[HeyLaughingBoy]

The almighty dollar is one hell of a motivator!

[anon291]

The statements by republicans tend to be a denial of the idea that we should get rid of gas by government fiat, or a skepticism of the ability for renewables to provide consistent power. I've never heard a wholesale dismissal of renewables from most conservatives.

I strongly identify with this position. I don't need the government stopping gas sales. That doesn't mean I don't recognize that renewable energy is cheaper and pollutes less.

What I've noticed on the left is that unless you believe that gasoline and natural gas should be made illegal, you are considered a hypocrite if you also use renewables.

I'm just chasing the rationally superior energy source. The environmental argument doesn't really sway me on this one. And I don't like government coercion for a very useful and life saving substance (fossil fuels).

Nevertheless to directly address your claims. Abbot has been pretty vocal in his support for renewables..his campaign puts out materials extolling his success in bringing them to Texas.

https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/business/RenewableEnergy...

In another speech, abbot makes this clear by saying he favors a both and approach: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Gov-...

He again touts the benefits of renewables.

I think what's happened here is that progressives have once again moralized on this issue.

It's not enough to be in favor of and actively take steps to encourage renewables. If you don't do it to the same degree or you don't simultaneously criticize and ban the alternatives, you're presumed guilty of some great transgression.