Texas

In rural West Texas, renewable energy brings a windfall for seniors: How officials in Crockett County are using wind investments to help older residents age in place

In Crockett County, the turbines generate more than just electricity. Money from NextEra supports the meals and events at senior center center, among other benefits. It all comes down to clever utilization of a section of the Texas tax code. As a way of attracting large projects like wind farms, the state offers companies a temporary property tax break — up to 10 years — in exchange for local investment. This Texas Abatement Act (also known as Section 312) means less tax revenue in the short term, but more dollars immediately flowing to community projects and programs like the senior center in Crockett.

Electric School Buses in the US Could Bring $1.6 Billion a Year in Health and Climate Benefits

New research from WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative and Carleton University shows that the U.S. would see an estimated $1.6 billion in health and climate benefits every year by using electric school buses. The benefits are most pronounced in counties with older diesel buses and larger populations.