Legislation Proposes Connecting Texas Power Grid to National Network
Democratic lawmakers introduce a bill aimed at preventing future power outages by integrating Texas' grid with the nation's, in response to the deadly 2021 winter blackout.
- Democratic Reps. Greg Casar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced the Connect the Grid Act, seeking to integrate Texas' power grid with the national network to avoid future outages.
- The bill, marking the third anniversary of the 2021 winter storm that killed hundreds, would place the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversight.
- The proposed legislation aims to allow Texas to draw power from other states during emergencies and sell surplus power, potentially saving billions and creating jobs.
- Critics, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and state Republicans, resist the bill, citing Texas' energy independence and potential market impacts.
- The bill faces steep opposition in Congress, particularly from Republicans, but its sponsors emphasize the importance of preventing future tragedies and addressing climate change.
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