CNS News– In a significant move toward enhancing the United States’ energy infrastructure, Democratic Representatives Greg Casar of Texas’ 35th Congressional District and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York have introduced a groundbreaking piece of legislation. The bill, named the “Connect the Grid Act,” seeks to end the longstanding isolation of Texas’ energy system by mandating the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to establish connections with the nation’s major electric grids.
This initiative comes as a response to the catastrophic February 2021 winter storm that left over 10 million Texans in the dark and cold, resulting in numerous fatalities and widespread damage. The proposed legislation aims to bolster energy reliability and affordability for Texans by facilitating the integration of ERCOT with other regional grids across the country.
By doing so, the lawmakers argue, Texas can not only prevent future blackouts during extreme weather events but also contribute more effectively to the nation’s climate goals through its significant clean energy production. The bill also suggests placing ERCOT under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and calls for a comprehensive study by the Energy Department and FERC to evaluate the benefits of linking the Texas power grid with Mexico.
Two Democrats propose bill to connect Texas to national grids https://t.co/h0Tnjelaqm
— Chron (@chron) February 14, 2024
Read More News: California Democrat Porter Suggests Discussing Age Restrictions ‘For All Elected Authorities’!
Biden Says Blocking Ukraine Funding Goes ‘into Putin’s Hands,’ But House Republicans Persist!
The Texas Republican Party Has Become Even More Conservative. How Did That Take Place?
During a press conference held in front of the Capitol, Rep. Casar highlighted the unnecessary suffering Texans endured during the 2021 winter storm, emphasizing that such disasters could be averted through better grid connectivity. Joined by a coalition of lawmakers, including Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, the bill was unveiled on the third anniversary of the storm as a testament to the urgent need for a more resilient and interconnected energy infrastructure.