Texas has a $24 billion budget surplus, and that money belongs to the people, not the state. It needs to be spent wisely, especially when it comes to energy infrastructure. In 2023, voters approved funding for energy improvements, expecting investments in solutions that would truly strengthen the electric grid. But instead, powerful corporations influenced lawmakers to funnel $5 billion into gas-fired power plants that are risky, polluting, and unnecessary.
Texans need to be cautious about another potential misuse of public funds. The Texas Senate recently proposed an additional $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, offering loans and grants to fossil fuel power plants. But this approach does little to reduce electric bills or ensure a stable power supply for the entire state. Meanwhile, the nuclear energy industry is also seeking subsidies, which raises serious financial concerns.
The history of nuclear power projects is filled with delays and cost overruns. For example, a plan to expand nuclear reactors at the South Texas Project originally had a $6 billion price tag, but costs quickly ballooned to $18 billion. Investing taxpayer dollars into new nuclear power plants is a gamble that could lead to more financial waste.
Energy companies claim they are committed to strengthening the grid and meeting Texas’ growing energy demand. However, certain legislative proposals could make it harder to develop renewable energy—the very sources that keep electric bills and pollution low.
Senate Bill 819, introduced by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, aims to impose more regulations and permit requirements on wind and solar power but does not hold fossil fuel plants to the same standards. If Texas leaders were truly focused on affordability and reliability, they wouldn’t support policies that hinder renewable energy growth.
Electric utilities also have their interests. While they don’t generate electricity themselves, they make more money when customers use more energy. If people conserve electricity or make their homes more energy efficient, utility companies earn less.
That’s why they have little incentive to promote energy efficiency. This legislative session, the Sierra Club and its allies are pushing for Texas to update its energy efficiency goals for the first time since 2011. A requirement for utilities to generate energy savings equal to just 1% of the electricity they sell would be a meaningful step forward. Texans need a strong efficiency bill—not a weak one that maintains the status quo.
The state’s elected officials are supposed to represent the people. But right now, they are listening to energy and utility companies that pour massive amounts of money into political campaigns. Every day, Texans are focused on their families and businesses. They don’t want to worry about energy or the reliability of the grid constantly. They want their power to stay on, especially during extreme weather, and they want affordable electricity bills.
Texans have the power to drive real change. By making their voices heard and demanding forward-thinking solutions, they can push for a cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy system. The future of Texas should not be controlled by a handful of special interests—it should be built on sustainable energy that benefits everyone. The time to act is now.
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