On the recordFebruary 15, 2024
Mr. Speaker, I am Greg Casar, and I represent the heart of Texas. I represent hundreds of thousands of Texans who faced mass blackouts, medical emergencies, and even death 3 years ago during the Texas grid's failure under Winter Storm Uri. Over 10 million people needlessly lost power, and hundreds died, cold, alone, and in the dark. Texas officials like Greg Abbott have not just failed to fix the grid and to respond to constituents' needs, but they have repeatedly abandoned us in favor of large corporations and the donations that they provide, those corporations that profit off of the misery of Texans. That is why, yesterday, I announced new legislation, the Connect the Grid Act, to connect Texas to the national electric grids and make a real difference and bring forward real solutions. If our State were interconnected, we could prevent mass blackouts, save tens of billions of dollars, and help our country meet its climate goals. It is not radical to say that, in the middle of a heat wave or a winter storm, Texans should be able to keep the lights on. Too many people have already died because of our inaction. With the Connect the Grid Act, we can keep the lights on, and Congress can give power back to the people. ____________________





