(Texas Scorecard) – A new poll has revealed that a majority of Americans value energy independence more than fighting climate change.
The poll, conducted by Napolitan News Service, asked voters “Is it more important to make America energy independent or to fight climate change?” 57 percent of respondents voted for the former.
Additionally, 68 percent of voters said that providing clean air and water was more important than fighting climate change.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham posted on X, “The American people want energy independence that will last for generations to come! Prioritizing reliable, affordable energy over radical climate policies ensures a stronger nation!”
Multiple state lawmakers have proposed measures in the Texas House and Senate aimed at securing the state’s electric grid, reflecting the poll’s results.
For example, State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) authored House Bill 941 in mid-November—which would aim to create the Texas Grid Security Commission to oversee the development of an “all hazards” grid resilience plan.
If signed into law, the act would require the commission to present the Texas legislature with its full grid hazard security plan by no later than October 1, 2026.
State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) is carrying identical legislation in the Senate.
Hall also filed Senate Bill 1692, which proposes limitations on installed generator capacity in the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region. The act would apply to electric generation facilities relying exclusively on wind or solar energy.
Another measure, filed by State Rep. Stan Lambert (R-Abilene), proposes that wind and solar power agreements include provisions that would mandate the recycling of mechanical components at the end of their life cycles.
House Bill 3228 outlines that specific components of wind and solar energy facilities, like wind turbines, must be either recycled or shipped away to eventually be recycled. State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) is carrying the Senate version.