Latest news with #KellyHancock
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas lawmakers create committee to coordinate energy conservation, as grid faces growing demand
AUSTIN (KXAN) — With Texas headed into another summer of record-breaking heat forecasts, state lawmakers took steps to better coordinate billions of dollars in energy conservation programs amid warnings that power demand could outstrip supply as early as 2026. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) recently forecast that the state's growing demand for power could surpass available energy supply beginning in summer 2026, with demand nearly doubling by 2030 due to population growth, extreme weather and large industrial users including cryptocurrency mines and data centers. In response, the Legislature passed House Bill 5323, creating the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate state programs that reduce energy waste and improve electric grid reliability. 'This legislation just helps all of Texas,' said State Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills. 'The legislation focuses on energy efficiency. It talks about reduction in electricity utilization across the state. After all, we are the largest employer in the state of Texas.' The new committee will bring together eight state agencies including the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT and the State Comptroller's office, to coordinate the existing funding for demand reduction programs across different agencies. The Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance (TAEB) estimates in total the state spends more than $3 billion on these programs. 'We have millions of dollars across different state agencies, in state funding and in federal funding that are being directed towards demand reduction,' said Matthew Boms, executive director of the TAEB. 'All these different programs are happening at different state agencies, but there's no one really steering the ship.' Currently, those programs could reduce peak demand by up to 4.5 gigawatts if properly coordinated, according to Boms. While that represents a small fraction of Texas' 86-gigawatt peak demand, Boms said that '4.5 gigawatts could be the difference between a grid emergency and normal conditions' during extreme weather events. The coordination gap became apparent during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, when inadequate weatherization and resistance heating in multi family homes contributed to grid failures. 'We still have a winter problem in Texas,' Boms said. 'All the resistance heating that we have, especially in multi family homes, are consuming a ton of energy during these winter storm events.' ERCOT's most dire forecast predicts energy supply could fall 6.2% short of peak summer demand in 2026, widening to a 32.4% shortage by summer 2029. The grid operator attributed much of the projected demand growth to cryptocurrency mining operations, data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Hancock acknowledged the challenge of balancing economic growth with grid reliability as Texas continues attracting energy-intensive businesses. 'Energy needs are going to grow across the state with the growth of AI and all that comes with it,' Hancock said. 'What we're trying to do here is lead as an example, both on maximizing energy efficiency, [and] reduction in electricity utilization.' The advisory committee will meet quarterly and submit biennial reports to the Legislature starting December 2026. Members can designate employees to serve in their place, with administrative support provided by the Public Utility Commission. Current state conservation programs save about four megawatts of power, which Hancock called important during tight grid conditions when 'everybody pitches in and does their part.' The bill takes effect Sept. 1, 2025, as Texas prepares for another summer of potentially record-breaking energy demand. 'If we want to prevent a future catastrophe from happening, this is exactly the kind of work that needs to happen,' Boms said. 'We need our state agencies to be coordinating their efforts and not be working in silos.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Drive
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Texas Legalizes Kei Cars
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Kei car owners and enthusiasts just scored a major victory in Texas. Lawmakers in the Lone Star State passed a law allowing the 'titling, registration, and operation of a miniature vehicle,' including a Japanese-market kei car or truck, in Texas as long as it's at least 25 years old. Called S.B. 1816 in legal-speak, the bill was introduced on March 3 by Texas senator Kelly Hancock and passed by lawmakers on Wednesday. It's the final step in reversing a controversial ban on kei cars that was seemingly applied unevenly throughout the state, and it should give enthusiasts valuable peace of mind. From now on, they can buy a kei car without worrying about whether or not the Texas DMV will issue a title, and whether their title will be sooner or later revoked. The only catch is that the vehicle needs to comply with applicable federal laws. There's no kei-specific rule at the federal level, so the new Texas law treats kei cars like any other import. If an imported car hasn't turned 25 years old yet, it needs to comply with the same safety and emissions regulations as an American-market car in order to be registered here (unless it's brought in under the Show and Display exemption, which is mostly for high-end vehicles). And, making just about any foreign-market car compliant with American norms is wildly expensive and unrealistic; Even carmakers aren't always able to justify the expense. This law is no longer relevant the day a vehicle turns 25 years old. Get a kei truck today built before May 2000, and you're good to go in Texas. Honda Interestingly, the version of the bill that's headed to the governor's desk isn't nearly as detailed as the version introduced last March. The original text defined a miniature vehicle as a car, truck, van, or bus that's powered by an engine with a displacement of less than 1.2 liters, that's manufactured in Japan, that has a top speed of at least 50 mph, and that's up to 60 inches wide, 140 inches long, and 80 inches tall. The law's definition of a 'miniature vehicle' is a lot more vague. It merely describes a 'miniature vehicle' as one that complies with federal law and that's not a custom-made vehicle, a street rod, a neighborhood electric vehicle, a golf cart, or an off-highway vehicle. So while Texas is a safe haven if you're importing a Honda Acty, you're still out of luck if you want to bring in a Citroën Ami or put plates on your golf cart. Although enthusiasts in Texas can breathe a sigh of relief, the fight against kei vehicles rages on across the country. It's being fought state by state, often with the backing of a non-profit, non-governmental agency called American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) that's hellbent on taking kei cars and trucks off the road. Colorado nearly banned kei vehicles in December 2024, but it quickly changed its mind. Massachusetts reinstated the registration of kei vehicles in September 2024, but they're still illegal some states. Honda Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas Lawmakers Unite to Recognize May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day Statewide
State Joins Growing National Movement to Recognize Unseen Wounds of First Responders AUSTIN, Texas, May 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a united front, both the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions proclaiming May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas, marking the state's commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders and frontline professionals. "Many veterans and first responders carry burdens that are invisible, but no less real," said Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-Fort Worth. "We're called to bear each other's burdens. I'm confident that Texans will gladly and gratefully fulfill that responsibility to the men and women who put everything on the line for the safety of our communities each day. We must ensure our hometown heroes are never left to face these challenges alone." Moral injury, a condition distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs when individuals engage in, witness, or fail to prevent actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs, causing feelings of guilt, shame and loss of trust. "Recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas is a crucial step toward honoring the unseen sacrifices of our military members, veterans, and first responders," said Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth. "By supporting programs like R3, we are not only addressing the silent wounds carried by those who serve but also building stronger, healthier communities across our state. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in bringing attention to this important issue and supporting the mental health of our frontline heroes." "I'm grateful for the recognition of R3's tireless work addressing moral injury in Fort Worth through mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual support," said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. "This Moral Injury Awareness Day, I urge the state of Texas to continue to prioritize mental health and wellness for our men and women in uniform who selflessly serve our communities every day." This statewide proclamation aligns with initiatives in cities like Fort Worth, where Mayor Mattie Parker and Fort Worth City Council presented the American Warrior Association (AWA) with a city proclamation last summer recognizing Moral Injury Awareness Day in Fort Worth. The proclamation supports the city's ongoing partnership with the AWA and the recent launch of R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve, a pioneering initiative addressing moral injury among first responders. Initially launched in Fort Worth, R3 provides first responders with practical tools and resources to address moral injury, improve resilience, and promote healing. The program also aims to reduce absenteeism and increase morale across departments, ultimately improving community safety and relationships. "We are so grateful for the support of our statewide elected officials in our work toward securing accessible mental health resources for our first responders and veteran communities," said Anna Heil, executive director of the R3. "Providing accessible, non-clinical mental health support for our first responders and veterans is more important now than ever and working with a body of elected officials who are willing to act swiftly underscores the need and priority of the work we're doing." To date, R3 has implemented programming with the city of Fort Worth Fire and Police Departments, city of Dallas Fire and Police Departments and DFW International Airport. R3 offers benefits that extend across all fronts. First responders gain access to crucial tools and resources enabling them to address moral injury, ultimately fostering resilience and well-being. For departments and agencies, the program promotes a healthier workforce, leading to reduced absenteeism and improved overall performance and morale. Together, these efforts will directly benefit the community by enhancing officers' mental strength to de-escalate situations; ultimately strengthening relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. About R3/AWA Rooted in Texas, R3 is designed for scalability with the AWA at the helm to ultimately guide its expansion across the nation. The first of its kind, this program serves as a model for addressing first responder wellness, ensuring communities everywhere can benefit from its innovative approach. The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The AWA is dedicated to honoring our Nation's military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. For more information on Moral Injury Awareness Day or the R3 initiative, visit: View source version on Contacts The Collaborative, Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306or Brooke Goggans, 617.680.1048 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill allowing grocery stores, gas stations to sell ‘ready-to-drink' cocktails advances out of committee
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bill in the Texas Senate to allow the sale of 'ready-to-drink cocktails' (RTDs) at grocery and convenience stores passed a committee vote Wednesday. SB 2225 would allow stores that are licensed to sell beer and wine to apply for a certificate to sell liquor-based drinks. Those drinks would be limited to 17% alcohol by volume. Bill author Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-Fort Worth, wrote in her statement of intent that Texas' current alcohol laws, which allow the sale of beer and wine products with up to 17% ABV, are confusing for Texans. 'However, these same retailers are prohibited from selling spirit-based RTDs, even though most of these beverages fall within the same or lower ABV range as many wine and malt-based products already on store shelves,' she said. 'This inconsistency in Texas law creates confusion for consumers, places unnecessary limitations on free-market competition, and puts Texas businesses at a disadvantage compared to those in other states where spirit-based RTDs are treated equitably.' The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) said in a press release that it 'applauds 'the committee's vote. DISCUS VP Corey Staniscia said in the release that the legislature should prioritize the bill 'to increase consumer convenience' so Texans can have their favorite drinks 'in time for football season.' 'The Legislature has taken another step in moving forward this consumer- and business-friendly measure that adds additional market access for adult spirits consumers in Texas,' Staniscia said. The bill's companion in the House, HB 4077, authored by Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, and Rep. John Bucy III, D-Austin, is pending in the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee. The bill heads to the Senate floor for consideration. If it passes, it will head to the Texas House. Should the bill be enacted as law, it will take effect on Sept. 1. Texas has the fifth most DUI deaths and is 33rd for DUI arrests, according to substance detection tech company Mindr. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
