HARC’s President and CEO, John Hall, has spent nearly four decades working on environmental and energy issues in Texas. With experience in government, business, and nonprofit sectors, he has worked on policies and initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility to improve economic opportunities for all. He’s optimistic about the future of Texas—if the right steps are taken.
We spoke with John about the biggest challenges Texas faces, the role of clean energy, and how communities can benefit from a sustainable future.
I’ve always been drawn to work that directly impacts people’s lives, and energy is a crucial part of our daily existence, especially in Texas. Growing up, I witnessed and experienced poverty and discrimination firsthand.
Those experiences shaped my perspective and led me to embrace the commitment to use my skills, opportunities, and resources to improve people’s lives, especially “those who are the least amongst us.”
Our economy, our health, and our environment are all deeply connected to energy production and consumption. Over time, I saw the need for policies that could promote economic growth while also ensuring clean air, clean water, and a healthier environment for all Texans. We really don’t have to make a choice between a vibrant environment and a thriving economy that benefits everyone.
Texas has been the energy capital of the world for over a century. No one wants that to change, and it doesn’t have to. What’s changing is American consumers and global demand: countries and trading blocs want to import energy that has less impact on the climate, and Texas has to respond. Further, independent polling shows that a large majority of Texans want clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. Locally, we have incredible resources for renewable energy – which aren’t just cleaner, they cost less, and can spark job growth that simply can’t be outsourced. Texas is already leading in wind and solar energy, and the next step is to build on that momentum. We have the potential to develop cutting-edge clean energy technologies, create thousands of local jobs, and strengthen our economy while reducing various types of pollution.
There are several, but the most pressing include disasters like hurricanes, flooding, droughts, and extreme heat. Everyone in Texas saw what happened in 2021 when our grid collapsed during a winter storm. Everyone along the Gulf Coast knows how vulnerable we are to stronger and more frequent hurricanes. These events aren’t just environmental issues—they affect infrastructure, businesses, and public health. They can kill people. Additionally, air pollution continues to be a serious problem in many communities. Improving air quality is crucial in order to improve these communities’ quality of life. What excites me the most is that the solutions to these problems are things that create local jobs and strengthen communities.
Over the last 100 years, entire segments of Texas have been left out of the economic riches of the energy industry or have borne the brunt of the negative impacts, like pollution. It doesn’t have to be like that moving forward. A sustainable Texas means an economy that works for everyone, where clean energy jobs are accessible, and communities have reliable, affordable energy. It means cleaner air and water, resilient infrastructure that can handle weather disasters, and long-term planning that ensures growth benefits as many Texans as possible now and in future generations. Texas is experiencing rapid population and economic expansion, so we need to be strategic about how we develop.
About 40% of Texans are forced to have to choose between energy and other necessities. Energy efficiency and clean energy offer a tremendous opportunity to lower household energy costs, create local jobs, and improve public health. Programs that help weatherize homes, install solar panels, or upgrade appliances can reduce monthly energy bills, which is especially important for low-income households. At the same time, expanding access to training and careers in clean energy can provide stable, well-paying jobs for people in these communities. We not only want new energy technology installed here, we want Texans to do the work!
Businesses crave certainty, and policymakers play a key role in providing that by creating smart regulations and incentives. At the same time, companies must recognize that sustainability isn’t just about compliance—it’s about economic opportunity. Whether through investments in renewable energy, efficiency programs, or workforce training, businesses can thrive by adopting forward-thinking sustainability practices. That’s now a core part of HARC’s work.
There are many ways to make an impact. Reducing energy waste, using public transportation, supporting policies that promote clean energy, and staying informed about environmental issues all make a difference. Even small actions, like adjusting thermostats or participating in local sustainability initiatives, add up over time.
Absolutely. Texas has the talent, resources, and innovation to lead the way in clean energy and sustainability. The key is to act with intention. If we prioritize clean energy, resilience, and smart policy decisions, we can build a Texas that’s not only strong economically but also a healthier, more sustainable place to live for generations to come.
