A brief overview of the fund’s purpose, eligibility, and environmental requirements

What is the Texas Energy Fund?

The Texas Energy Fund is a financial initiative established by the state of Texas to support and promote various energy-related projects and innovations. The fund was established in 2009 by the Texas Legislature and is administered by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). While the specific details and focus of the fund may evolve over time, it typically aims to achieve the following objectives: Support for Renewable Energy Projects, Energy Efficiency Programs, Research and Development, Infrastructure Development, and Economic Development. The Texas Energy Fund reflects the state’s commitment to balancing energy development with environmental stewardship and economic growth.

Who can apply for the fund?

The fund is open to a variety of entities, including local governments, public schools, public colleges, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. The fund offers grants, loans, and rebates for eligible projects that demonstrate energy savings, environmental benefits, and economic impacts. The fund covers a wide range of technologies, such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, fuel cells, energy storage, lighting, HVAC, building envelope, and industrial processes.

What are the environmental permitting requirements?

The fund requires that all projects comply with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. Depending on the type, size, and location of the project, different environmental permits may be needed. Some of the common environmental permits that may apply to the fund’s projects are:

• Air Quality Permits: These are issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and regulate the emissions of air pollutants from stationary sources, such as power plants, factories, and landfills.
• Water Quality Permits: These are also issued by the TCEQ and regulate the discharge of pollutants into surface water and groundwater, such as wastewater, stormwater, and industrial waste.
• Waste Management Permits: These are also issued by the TCEQ and regulate the generation, transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, such as batteries, chemicals, and oil and gas waste.
• Endangered Species Permits: These are issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and regulate the potential impacts of projects on federally listed endangered and threatened species and their habitats.
• Cultural Resources Permits: These are issued by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and regulate the potential impacts of projects on historic and archaeological sites and artifacts.

The fund requires that applicants submit copies of all relevant environmental permits or proof of permit applications with their project proposals. The fund also reserves the right to conduct environmental reviews and audits of the projects to ensure compliance.