State Representative Ellen Troxclair has announced that plans for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Comfort, Texas, have been canceled. The decision by East Point to abandon the project was attributed to “shifting strategic priorities.”
Troxclair praised the community’s efforts, stating, “We consistently demonstrated to anyone who would listen that this small rural town, with a volunteer fire department, limited water, and no egress, was an unsafe location for large scale battery storage.”
Troxclair emphasized the importance of energy policies that consider local residents and resources. She highlighted that during a recent statewide ice storm, natural gas provided up to 70% of the energy needed in Texas, while BESS contributed minimally.
In her legislative work, Troxclair filed several bills related to BESS facilities. These include HB 1343 for a comprehensive permit process with safety standards; HB 4057 to end local tax exemptions for renewable energy operations; HB 5569 requiring fire safety standards; and HB 5572 allowing the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider safety and environmental factors.
Ellen Troxclair is serving her second term in the Texas House of Representatives for District 19. She was elected in 2023 as a Republican representative for the district after James White.