A special interest group that hopes to see an increase in solar power is spotlighting a Beaumont restaurant as an example of how Texans can save money and the environment.

The Environment Texas Research and Policy Center held a news conference Tuesday morning at Jason’s Deli on Dowlen Road. The location was chosen because the deli gets some of its electric power from solar cells mounted on the roof.

A spokesperson for the group says it plans to lobby the Texas Legislature in the upcoming session to promote solar power and energy efficiency, connecting its importance to economic stability. “Texas has the technological prowess and the vast reserves of renewable energy from the sun and wind that can re-power our nation, create jobs and renew Texas’ roll as the energy capital of the world.” Said Amelia Shenstone at Tuesday’s news conference. “We have the potential to be a world leader.” Said Shenstone.

The group says it will ask the state to increase the number of tax exemptions and a fair price paid to homeowners who use solar energy and sell excess electricity back to the power company.

Jason’s Deli Spokesperson said the restaurant said the company would love to install solar power at all of its stores, but to do so it needs financial help. “We need incentives, we need help from the federal and state government. It’s expensive to install solar power panels, and with commodity prices going up 7 and 8 percent annually, it becomes really prohibitive for the entire restaurant industry to install solar panels.” Said Executive Vice-President of Jason’s Deli Rusty Coco.

Port Arthur Mayor Pro Temp Jack Chatman, Jr., and community activist Hilton Kelly were also at Tuesday’s event to express support of the group’s effort.