Texas Register, Volume 2, Number 12, Pages 507-562, February 11, 1977 Page: 553
507-562 p. ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
553
response from new or old sources is slow at best; that in-
creased energy use efficiency will provide the most im-
mediate and economical contributions as well as long-
term solutions to closing the energy gap: and that in the
absence of government policy our dependence on
foreign crude oil will grow and with it the risk of eco-
nomic and social disruption.
Therefore, it is recommended that state government
provide an example of responsibility in energy conser-
vation by continuing to identify and eliminate state
government practices which encourage energy waste;
that energy efficiency should he a major factor in state
procurement decisions and practices; that state-owned
buildings should be retrofitted for maximum cost-effec-
tive efficiency improvements: that the average fuel
economy of the state automobile fleet should be im-
proved; that a carpool incentive program for state
employees should be established; and that energy con-
servation should be recognized as a desirable public ob-
jective and promotea in all sectors of the economy.
Energy conservation through public awareness
It is recognized that energy conservation is an immedi-
ate measure available to soften the social, economic,
and political impact of our energy shortfall situation;
that conservation is only as effective as people want it
to he; that the majority of people do not recognize or ac-
cept the energy problems as real; that many of those
who do recognize the seriousness of the problem 'as
well as those who do not) feel that any conservation
effort on their part will demand a degradation of'
lifestyle; that, contrary to this belief, an inforrnm'd and
educated public can achieve significant conservation
through the use of more efficient techniques and prac
tices without substantially affecting lifestyle, comfort,
or economic activities; that even though spiraling
energy costs will bring about a desire to learn more
about and practice conservation, we cannot wait for up.-
ward price escalation to create a strong conservation
effort.
Therefore. it is recommended that Texas continue to
support the federal energy conservation program and
that the state support and fund a public information
and education program to increase awareness of the
energy crisis, to point out the necessity for conserva-
tion. and to identity the best ways to conserve. Pro-
grams should be directed at those segments of the
public who are in the best position to influence energy
decisions and to take actions on their own which will
result in significant energy conservation. Such pro-
grams should include curricula development and sup-
port of other energy conservation programs in public
S schools.
Industrial energy efficiency
It is recognized that the industrial sector consumes the
largest portion of energy in the Texas economy; thatpercentage improvements in the efficiency of energy
use in the industrial sector will make the greatest con
tribution to energy conservation and that substantial
energy savings can be achieved by application of pre
sent day technology without affecting economic activity
or decreasing industrial output It is further recognized
that although free market forces provide the main im
petus for energy conservation in industry, harriers such
as lack as sufficient capital. lack of widely available in
formation. and uncertainties about fuel costs in a given
process or about economic benefits of investments in
efficiency improvements will slow the conversion to
more efficient industrial operation
Therefore. it is recommended that Texas industry be
assisted in its efforts by
1) establishing cooperative programs and state
run clearing house for energy conservation technical
and economic information:
(2) encouraging industry and utilities to improve
efficiency through combined generation of steam and
electric power:
(3) university funding of research and demon
stration projects in energy efficiency; and
(4) promoting recycling of us((ed oil and containers
by appropriate means.
Energy efficient buildings
Majority Report
It is recognized that both residential and commercial
buildings consume and waste a substantial portion of
the energy used in Texas; that a significant amount of
this energy waste can be eliminated through the ap
plication of current technology without affecting occur
pant comfort or business activities; that current build
ing policies and practices tend to discourage energy effi
ciency. that changes in these practices will be slow or
non-existent without timely government actions. and
that there exists a general lack of understanding by the
public of the severity of our energy cril., and -blse
quent lack of motivation to improve efficiencies
It is further recognized that in the past, the low price of
energy and a general lack of concern for the effects of
the natural environment upon energy use in building.,
have encouraged the liberal use of energy and that un
til consumers readjust their consumption habits. teco-
nomic hardships will be felt. especially in the residen
tial sector by the economically disadvantaged.
Therefore. it is recommended that:
l1 the state should provide priority status to in
creasing energy efficiency in both existing and future
buildings in a comprehensive energy conservation
policy;
(2) the state should develop performance-based
energy conservation standards stressing advancement
of the state of the art and recognizing variations in
building types and differing climatological conditions;Vluumie 2. oumher 12. Fhrurntrv 1 1977
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas. Secretary of State. Texas Register, Volume 2, Number 12, Pages 507-562, February 11, 1977, periodical, February 11, 1977; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth252905/m1/47/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.