# Texas Energy Independence Week 2011

*Published:* 2011-02-18
*Author:* 

[![](http://blogs.edf.org/texasenergyexchange/files/2011/02/sm_wht_seal.jpg)](http://blogs.edf.org/texasenergyexchange/files/2011/02/sm_wht_seal.jpg)Next week renewable energy advocates and policy makers will come together for [Texas Energy Independence Week](http://www.treia.org/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&Itemid=136) at the Texas Capitol. The event, put together by the [Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association](http://www.treia.org/) (TREIA) will allow industry, advocacy groups and academics to connect with policy makers and staff on how Texas can better realize their opportunities in developing the renewable energy market and reaping the economic rewards.

I will be moderating a [panel on Wednesday, February 23 from 3:45pm-5:00pm](http://treia.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=72&eventId=305713&orgId=treia). I will be speaking with representatives from [Applied Materials](http://www.appliedmaterials.com/technologies/solar), [American Electric Technologies](http://www.aeti.com/renewable-energy) and [SolarCity](http://www.solarcity.com/media-center/company-profile.aspx)about making the business case for renewables in Texas.

I’d like your help in leading the discussion. What questions would you ask of these business leaders? Comment below or [tweet your questions to @EDFtx](http://twitter.com/edftx) before the panel on February 23, 2011 and I’ll select a few of the best to ask our panelist.

Even if you can’t make it to the panel, this is a great opportunity to expand the discussion of promoting renewable energy development in Texas and maybe you will spark an idea no one has thought of before.

I’ll update my blog after the panel with highlights from the discussion and answers to some of your questions.

Below is information about the panelists and a link to more information on Texas Energy Independence Week.

[The Business Case for A Robust Role for Renewable Energy in Texas’ Energy Mix](http://treia.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=72&eventId=305713&orgId=treia)

   
Moderator: [Colin Meehan, Environmental Defense Fund](http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=27159)

Panelists:  
[Cathy Boone, Senior Director, Energy Policy and Market Development, Applied Materials, Inc.](http://blog.appliedmaterials.com/users/cboone)

[Charles Dauber, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Electric Technologies, Inc.](http://www.aeti.com/management-team)

[Colin Murchie, Director, Federal Government Affairs, SolarCity](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/colin-murchie/6/849/12a)

[Click here for more information on Texas Energy Independence Week](http://www.treia.org/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&Itemid=136) and [TREIA. ](http://www.treia.org/)