LAREDO, Texas - Webb and Starr are leading South Texas in clean energy growth with new solar panels, wind power, and battery storage, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar reports.
The Laredo Democrat released a new update showing that Texas’ 28th Congressional District - his district - is a powerhouse in clean energy production – pairing renewable power with traditional oil and gas to lower energy costs for families and strengthen the local economy.
He said that as a base for economic growth, the district ranks among the top in Texas for new energy projects, with Webb and Starr Counties leading the way in generation and development.
“I’ve always said that South Texas doesn’t have to choose between oil and gas and clean energy,” said Congressman Cuellar. “We can do both – and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Our district is producing more energy, creating more jobs, and generating more local tax revenue than ever before. This growth keeps costs down for every household in South Texas while ensuring reliable power for years to come.”
Cuellar said because his district is a powerhouse for new energy, good jobs are being created.
“When I talk with families in places like Laredo, Zapata, or Rio Grande City, I hear the same thing: people just want steady work, affordable energy, and a better future for their kids. That’s what these projects bring — not slogans, but results. They mean paychecks, progress, and pride for our communities,” Cuellar said.
During a webinar with reporters, Cuellar said his district is home to 30 active clean energy projects, generating 3,548 megawatts (MW) of power across six counties — with 18 more projects planned that will add another 3,062 MW of new capacity in the coming years. Here is the list:
Webb County: Over 1,800 MW of solar and wind power
Starr County: Over 1,000 MW of solar and wind power
Zapata County: Over 400 MW of solar and wind power
Bexar County: Over 100 MW of solar and wind power
Jim Hogg County: 78 MW of wind power
Guadalupe County: 4.9 MW of solar power
The source of this information, Cuellar said, is the U.S. Energy Information Administration Click here to learn more.
Cuellar also spoke about the new projects underway. He said construction is underway on new battery storage projects in Bexar, Webb, Atascosa, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, and Zapata counties. He said these projects will hold up to 2,375 MW of stored energy to make the grid more reliable. In addition, he said, new solar farms in Atascosa, Webb, and Zapata Counties will soon bring another 686 MW of clean power online.
“These projects mean more than numbers on a page,” Cuellar said. “They mean a young technician in Jim Hogg County can build a career close to home. They mean that a small business owner in Zapata can keep her lights on when the grid is stressed. They mean that South Texas — our workers, our families, our values — are shaping the future of American energy.”
Cuellar added: “We’re proving that economic growth and environmental responsibility don’t have to be at odds. We’re showing the country that if you believe in hard work, innovation, and community — you can build something that lasts.”
Editor's Note: Here is an audio recording of the webinar Congressman Cuellar had with reporters about new energy production in his district:
