House Bill 3556 Endangers Valuable Energy Projects
DOUG LEWIN | Source: Doug Lewin | Posted 05/06/2025

For years, anti-energy activists have worked to hobble Texas’s nation-leading renewable resources. These efforts have often been crude — for instance, invoking the police power of the state to restrict private property rights and raise energy bills.
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House Bill 3556 is a controversial piece of legislation in Texas that aims to give the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission the authority to veto wind energy projects within a 70-mile radius of Gulf Coast national wildlife refuges. This bill could significantly hinder renewable energy development in the state, as it applies to entire counties where these refuges are located, affecting nearly all coastal counties. The legislation lacks clear definitions and time constraints for project approvals, allowing government regulators to potentially halt projects even after substantial completion.
The bill is reportedly backed by Dan Friedkin, a billionaire and Chairman Emeritus of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, who has been vocal against Texas energy initiatives. Critics argue that the bill unfairly targets wind energy while exempting other industries that also impact wildlife, such as oil and gas. If passed, HB 3556 could lead to increased energy costs and reduced reliability, contradicting the state's need for more electricity to support economic growth and meet rising demand.
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Source Link: https://www.douglewin.com/p/house-bill-3556-endangers-more-energy
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