Texas, December 13, 2025
In a significant milestone, Texas is set to generate more electricity from solar power than coal for the first time. Data from ERCOT reveals that solar energy made up 14% of the state’s energy mix, notably surpassing coal’s 13%. This shift underscores Texas’ rapid advancement in renewable energy, with solar output increasing by 42% year-over-year. The state’s embrace of utility-scale battery storage further enhances the reliability of solar power, placing Texas at the forefront of clean energy initiatives and setting an example for other regions in the U.S.
Texas Solar Energy Production Surpasses Coal for the First Time
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas – In a groundbreaking development for renewable energy, Texas is poised to generate more electricity from solar power than coal for the first time in 2025. According to data from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the state produced 2.64 million megawatt hours (MWh) from solar sources from January to November, surpassing coal’s production of 2.44 million MWh. This significant shift highlights the rapid expansion of solar energy in Texas, with installed capacity increasing by 24% from 2024 and overall solar output rising by 42% year-over-year, now constituting 14% of ERCOT’s energy mix compared to coal’s 13%, a marked increase from just 6% in 2022.
Furthermore, this transition is supported by the growing adoption of utility-scale battery storage, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of solar energy operations. This movement propels Texas into a leadership role in the realm of clean energy, potentially serving as a model for other U.S. regions looking to decrease their reliance on fossil fuels.
New Developments in the Texas Senate Race
Dallas, Texas – The political landscape in Texas is heating up as Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett has officially launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate, setting her sights on challenging incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn. Known for her dynamic and outspoken approach, Crockett’s entry is expected to draw significant national attention, especially as she positions herself in a pivotal contest for Democrats aiming to reclaim a Senate majority in the 2026 midterm elections.
Crockett is now preparing for a Democratic primary scheduled for March 3, facing off against state Representative James Talarico, who has demonstrated strong fundraising capabilities and a solid online presence. On the Republican side, the competition includes Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt, contributing to an intense race that is poised to engage various demographics, particularly Black voters, urban centers, suburbs, and rural Latino communities.
Legislative Changes Taking Effect in December 2025
Austin, Texas – A series of new state laws are set to come into effect in Texas this December, impacting multiple sectors across the state. House Bill 8, for instance, eliminates the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam, opting for three shorter assessments administered over the school year. Proponents assert that this through-year testing model enables teachers to receive more actionable data, while detractors suggest it may cause confusion and increase testing pressures.
Additionally, House Bill 18 introduces stricter penalties for lawmakers who break quorum to stall or delay legislation, echoing a growing concern about accountability in political processes. Senate Bill 11 aims to protect human trafficking victims from prosecution for crimes committed under duress. A new law now allows civil suits against makers and distributors of abortion-inducing medications, safeguarding individuals who have taken such medications from being sued. A further measure permits the over-the-counter purchase of Ivermectin, lifting the prescription requirement. Finally, Senate Bill 8 imposes restrictions on transgender bathroom access in public buildings based on individuals’ sex assigned at birth, reshaping facets of Texas law and policy.
Sports Highlight: Texas Longhorns Succeed on the Court
Austin, Texas – On the athletic front, the Texas Longhorns celebrated a considerable victory, overcoming Southern University with a resounding score of 95-69. Matas Vokietaitis led the charge with a career-high 28 points, showcasing efficiency with 7 of 10 field goals made and a perfect 14 for 14 from the free-throw line. The Longhorns, now with a 7-3 record, demonstrated a robust performance, recovering from a recent loss with notable contributions from teammates Jordan Pope, Simeon Wilcher, Camden Heide, and Dailyn Swain, reinforcing their prospects as they move forward in the season.
Upcoming Showcase: Texas Bowl Anticipated
Houston, Texas – As the holiday season approaches, sports enthusiasts can look forward to the 2025 Texas Bowl, scheduled for December 27 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The matchup will feature the Houston Cougars representing the Big 12 Conference against the LSU Tigers from the Southeastern Conference. Fans can anticipate an exhilarating conclusion to the 2025 FBS football season, with the game kicking off at 9:15 p.m. EST and set to be broadcast on ESPN.
Weather Update for North Texas
Dallas, Texas – Northeastern Texas is currently experiencing above-average temperatures, with highs reaching the mid-60s. However, a cold front is projected to arrive Saturday night, prompting a notable drop in temperatures. Notably, the BMW Dallas Marathon slated for Sunday will start under cloudy skies and brisk winds, resulting in wind chills in the 20s. Nevertheless, conditions are expected to improve as the race progresses, with anticipated highs climbing to the mid-40s. Monday will likely maintain the chill before warming trends set in, with mid-week temperatures projected to rise into the 70s following a brief chance of rain on Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of Texas generating more electricity from solar power than coal?
This milestone highlights Texas’ rapid expansion in solar energy, with installed capacity increasing by 24% from 2024 and overall solar output rising by 42% year-over-year. Solar now constitutes 14% of ERCOT’s energy mix, overtaking coal’s 13%, up from just 6% in 2022. This transition is further supported by the adoption of utility-scale battery storage, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of solar energy. The move positions Texas as a leader in clean energy, potentially serving as a model for other U.S. regions aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Who is Jasmine Crockett, and what is her role in the Texas Senate race?
Jasmine Crockett is a Democratic Representative from Texas who has officially launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn. Known for her outspoken style and viral moments, Crockett’s entry into the race brings national attention to what could be a pivotal contest in Democrats’ bid to reclaim the Senate majority in the 2026 midterm elections. She enters a Democratic primary set for March 3, facing state Representative James Talarico, who has strong fundraising numbers and a notable online presence.
What are the key provisions of the new Texas laws taking effect in December 2025?
Several new state laws are set to take effect in Texas this December, impacting various sectors. House Bill 8 eliminates the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam, replacing it with three shorter assessments administered throughout the school year. House Bill 18 introduces additional penalties for lawmakers who break quorum to stop or delay legislation. Senate Bill 11 aims to protect human trafficking victims by shielding them from prosecution for certain crimes they were coerced into committing. Additionally, a new law allows civil lawsuits against makers and distributors of abortion-inducing medications, explicitly protecting individuals who have taken the medication from being sued. Another measure permits Texans to purchase Ivermectin over the counter, removing the prescription requirement. Senate Bill 8 restricts transgender bathroom access in public buildings, limiting which bathrooms and private facilities transgender individuals can use based on sex assigned at birth. These legislative changes are set to reshape various aspects of Texas law and policy.
What was the outcome of the Texas Longhorns’ recent basketball game?
Matas Vokietaitis scored a career-high 28 points, leading the Texas Longhorns to a decisive 95-69 victory over Southern University. The Longhorns, now with a 7-3 record, rebounded from their worst loss of the season with this dominant performance. Vokietaitis was highly efficient, making 7 of 10 field goals and converting all 14 free throws. Jordan Pope added 18 points, with significant contributions from Simeon Wilcher (14), Camden Heide (11), and Dailyn Swain (10). Texas shot 56.9% overall, establishing a 19-point halftime lead and extending it to 30 in the second half before easing off. This win marks a strong showing for the Longhorns as they continue their season.
When is the 2025 Texas Bowl scheduled, and which teams are participating?
The 2025 Texas Bowl is scheduled to take place on December 27 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The 19th annual Texas Bowl will feature the Houston Cougars from the Big 12 Conference and the LSU Tigers from the Southeastern Conference. The game is set to kick off at 9:15 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ESPN. This matchup promises an exciting conclusion to the 2025 FBS football season.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Texas Solar Energy Production | Surpassing coal for the first time in 2025, with solar now making up 14% of ERCOT’s energy mix. |
| Texas Senate Race | Jasmine Crockett challenges incumbent John Cornyn, aiming for national attention in the 2026 elections. |
| New Texas Laws | Several laws taking effect in December, including changes in education testing, quorum rules, and bathroom access. |
| Texas Longhorns Victory | A decisive win over Southern University, with Matas Vokietaitis scoring a career-high 28 points. |
| 2025 Texas Bowl | Scheduled for December 27, featuring the Houston Cougars and LSU Tigers. |
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