Laredo, TX – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) released a new update showing that Texas’ 28th Congressional 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. 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.”

He continued, “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.”

Powering Local Communities

Texas’ 28th 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.

County Highlights:

• 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
  Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA 860M)

Investing in Reliability and Jobs

Construction is underway on new battery storage projects in Bexar, Webb, Atascosa, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, and Zapata Counties, which will hold up to 2,375 MW of stored energy to make the grid more reliable. In addition, 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.”

He 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.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. He previously served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.
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