Texas has more CO2 emissions than any other state – but we also have the greatest renewable energy potential. We lead the country in renewable energy production, but these industries are still nascent and will grow enormously in the coming years. Will Texas hold its lead?

The goal of the Clean Tech Business and Policy Practicum is to apply the skills and perspectives of students from Texas universities to our stated goal of making Texas a leader in the emerging green economy.

Each semester students will be selected for specific projects based opportunities to expand Texas clean energy. They will work with businesses and policy leaders to develop projects of value for those businesses and for the broader public.

For the Spring 2010, MBA students at UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business will work with the Clean Tech Group at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and a variety of businesses in Austin to examine several proposed net-metering policies and how they could impact the solar industry in municipal and deregulated markets.

This is the pilot project for the ReEnergize Texas Clean Tech Business and Policy Practicum. In the semesters and years to come, these projects will grow to include students from other colleges and universities. Students will gain experience and have networking opportunities in these fast-moving industries, and their projects will help the state move toward a 21st century energy economy.