Rios-Ybarra named chair of House Energy

Representative Tara Rios- Ybarra (D-South Padre Island) has been named Chair of the Texas House Energy Resources Subcommittee on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by House Energy Resources Chairman Jim Keffer.

“Rep. Rios-Ybarra has shown great initiative as a member of the Energy Resources Committee, and she will help Texas become a frontrunner in renewable energy,” Keffer said.

“I believe she will serve in this position with honor and distinction.”

Through her new position Rios Ybarra will help the Texas exploit its potential as a world leader in renewable energy and help push the federal government’s current effort in making the country more energy efficient.

Following Presidents Obama’s lead after his State of the Union address, Rios Ybarra will spearhead all state legislation dealing with renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Texas House of Representatives.

“Texas has always been a leader in energy production and again we will lead the country when dealing with Renewable Energy,” she said.

“We will accomplish this goal by working in conjunction with institutions such as Harlingen’s Texas State Technical College, which is currently developing the South Texas Renewable Energy Institute that will be at the cutting edge of these new developments,” Rios Ybarra said.

Rios Ybarra will succeed current chairman, Rep. David Farabee (D-Wichita Falls), who chose not to seek re-election.