Latest news with #WinterStormUri
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gulf policymakers detail efforts to brace for 2025 hurricanes
Gulf Coast policymakers on Monday laid out efforts to brace for what's expected to be an active hurricane season during a Hill event titled 'Securing the Grid – Powering the Gulf South Region.' Eric Skrmetta, vice chair of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, said the durability of the power grid needs to improve, including calling for infrastructure that can help manage the flow of power. 'We're looking at the durability of [the] transmission grid, more than anything,' Skrmetta said when asked about hurricane season. 'We need supplies and we need mechanisms. We're going to need to build transformer manufacturing facilities,' he added. Skrmetta said the state has 'been in discussions with the Pentagon about the need for building one, possibly in Louisiana, Oklahoma, [or] Texas.' The 'Securing the Grid' event, which was sponsored by electric company Entergy, comes one day after the official start of hurricane season. U.S. weather agencies have predicted an 'above average' season, which could see between three and five major hurricanes. 'You're seeing our energy suppliers here in Texas put in more steel poles instead of wooden poles. There's a move to get as much of that infrastructure, if you will, below ground,' said Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas). It's not just hurricanes though that have taken a toll on Texas's electric grid. During 2021's Winter Storm Uri, the state faced massive blackouts that killed hundreds of people. The state has implemented significant reforms since that time, but Weber still said it's in bad shape — and criticized the Biden administration over electric vehicles in the process. 'It's really bad,' Weber said when asked to grade the state of the grid. 'They wanted to put 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations. They did put it in that bill and we don't have the grid to support that. So we're wanting to make sure that everybody understands that we ought to have nuclear,' he added, referring to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for a nationwide electric vehicle charging network. Meanwhile, Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) said he'd give his state a 'B-plus' as far as infrastructure and storm response. 'Louisiana has been a very good student. It has done the preparation, and I think understanding of investing in our shorelines in our floodplains and our levees,' Carter said, but added 'we still have work to do.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
a day ago
- Business
- The Hill
Gulf policymakers detail efforts to brace for 2025 hurricanes
Gulf Coast policymakers on Monday laid out efforts to brace for what's expected to be an active hurricane season during a Hill event titled 'Securing the Grid – Powering the Gulf South Region.' Eric Skrmetta, vice chair of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, said the durability of the power grid needs to improve, including calling for infrastructure that can help manage the flow of power. 'We're looking at the durability of [the] transmission grid, more than anything,' Skrmetta said when asked about hurricane season. 'We need supplies and we need mechanisms. We're going to need to build transformer manufacturing facilities,' he added. Skrmetta said the state has 'been in discussions with the Pentagon about the need for building one, possibly in Louisiana, Oklahoma, [or] Texas.' The 'Securing the Grid' event, which was sponsored by electric company Entergy, comes one day after the official start of hurricane season. U.S. weather agencies have predicted an 'above average' season, which could see between three and five major hurricanes. 'You're seeing our energy suppliers here in Texas put in more steel poles instead of wooden poles. There's a move to get as much of that infrastructure, if you will, below ground,' said Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas). It's not just hurricanes though that have taken a toll on Texas's electric grid. During 2021's Winter Storm Uri, the state faced massive blackouts that killed hundreds of people. The state has implemented significant reforms since that time, but Weber still said it's in bad shape — and criticized the Biden administration over electric vehicles in the process. 'It's really bad,' Weber said when asked to grade the state of the grid. 'They wanted to put 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations. They did put it in that bill and we don't have the grid to support that. So we're wanting to make sure that everybody understands that we ought to have nuclear,' he added, referring to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for a nationwide electric vehicle charging network. Meanwhile, Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) said he'd give his state a 'B-plus' as far as infrastructure and storm response. 'Louisiana has been a very good student. It has done the preparation, and I think understanding of investing in our shorelines in our floodplains and our levees,' Carter said, but added 'we still have work to do.'
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Urenco USA Joins Texas Nuclear Alliance as Founding Member
Austin, TX May 28, 2025 --( )-- The Texas Nuclear Alliance (TNA) proudly welcomes Urenco USA (UUSA), the United States' only large scale commercial uranium enrichment facility, as a Founding Member. 'UUSA is helping the U.S. maintain its position as a global leader in nuclear development by providing homegrown enriched uranium for nuclear power generation,' said TNA President Reed Clay. 'With its energy expertise, infrastructure, and growing demand for reliable power, Texas is poised to lead the nation in nuclear energy, and TNA is proud to partner with UUSA to advance nuclear solutions together.' 'Texas is well positioned to help drive the nuclear resurgence in the United States,' said John Kirkpatrick, Urenco USA's managing director. 'With our plant located right on the Texas-New Mexico border, we are excited to support TNA's efforts to expand the state's nuclear industry and to potentially fuel new Texas nuclear plants with a domestic source of enriched uranium in the future.' About Urenco USA As the only commercial-scale uranium enrichment facility in North America, Urenco USA plays an essential role in the nuclear fuel supply chain, which ends with the generation of reliable, secure, and sustainable energy for U.S. consumers. Our focus is on providing safe, cost-effective and reliable uranium enrichment services for power generation while working within a framework of high regulatory and safety standards. Our world-class facility is located in the southeastern corner of New Mexico and plays a vital role in supporting U.S. energy production, energy security, jobs, and manufacturing. The facility is a leading example of commercial investment in U.S. manufacturing and innovation, which began over two decades ago and is continuing today. To learn more, visit About the Texas Nuclear Alliance TNA is the only industry association in Texas dedicated to the advancement of nuclear technology in the state. TNA was formed with a singular mission: to make Texas the Nuclear Capital of the World. Formed in 2022 in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, TNA is based on the fundamental premise that if Texas and the world want low-carbon, reliable energy, it can no longer turn its back on nuclear energy. Nuclear is clean, safe, reliable, and secure. Contact Information: Texas Nuclear Alliance Lauren Clay 512-567-7604 Contact via Email Read the full story here: Urenco USA Joins Texas Nuclear Alliance as Founding Member Press Release Distributed by
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas lawmakers propose ban to thwart Ted Cruz 'curse'
The Ted Cruz Curse may finally, mercifully, be coming to an end if Texas democrats get their way. The 54-year-old republican senator has long popped up at big games in the Lone Star state, especially if Texas teams are involved. And far more often than not his appearance is accompanied by a brutal loss for whichever team he's cheering on. A new resolution aims to stop that. "The nine scariest words for any college fan are, 'I'm Ted Cruz, and I'm coming to your game.'' Harris County Democratic Party precinct chair Bill Kelly said after co-authoring the resolution. Cruz's losing streak certainly extends longer than the flightpath from Houston to Cancun. Kelly noted the Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies and Baylor Bears' football teams' have a combined record of 1-8 when the senator is in the building while pointing to Cruz's 2-15 record attending games overall since 2017. Though one of those wins belong to the Houston Astros during their title run in 2022. Most recently, Cruz lost a bet with Florida senator Rick Scott when he showed up to cheer on Houston against at the 2025 Final Four. That was after he lost a bet with Vice President J.D. Vance on the College Football Playoff game between Texas and Ohio State. Per the Houston Chronicle: Kelly and [co-author Charles] Kuffner proposed the resolution urging Cruz to focus on protecting the jobs of NASA and other federal employees affected by the Trump administration's budget cuts, along with other key issues. "Medical research at MD Anderson and the Texas Medical Center is being gutted. Tariffs are killing the Texas economy," Kuffner wrote. "We are beyond asking Ted Cruz to help." The drafted resolution states that party members will collaborate with all partners to prevent Cruz from attending college playoff sporting events in person. "We further urge him to spend quality time with his dog Snowflake (a reference to when Cruz went to Cancun during the 2021 Winter Storm Uri), or share a couch with JD Vance or work on his basketball skills—anything other than attend a college playoff game in person," the text reads. Cruz's office did not find much humor here, telling the Chronicle, essentially, the losses are not his fault. "Ted has been attending Texas sports games his entire life," a spokesperson said. "When they win, he's there. When they lose, he's there. When Texas Democrats lose, he's almost always there.' Many, many sports fans disagree. Now that the Dallas Stars are closing in on the NHL's Western Conference Final, the Dallas Mavericks have the No. 1 NBA draft pick and the Texas Longhorns are ready to name Arch Manning QB1, the resolution couldn't be coming at a more crucial moment for sports fans who believe in curses. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Texas lawmakers propose ban to thwart Ted Cruz 'curse'
USA Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Texas lawmakers propose ban to thwart Ted Cruz 'curse'
Texas lawmakers propose ban to thwart Ted Cruz 'curse' The Ted Cruz Curse may finally, mercifully, be coming to an end if Texas democrats get their way. The 54-year-old republican senator has long popped up at big games in the Lone Star state, especially if Texas teams are involved. And far more often than not his appearance is accompanied by a brutal loss for whichever team he's cheering on. A new resolution aims to stop that. "The nine scariest words for any college fan are, 'I'm Ted Cruz, and I'm coming to your game.'' Harris County Democratic Party precinct chair Bill Kelly said after co-authoring the resolution. Cruz's losing streak certainly extends longer than the flightpath from Houston to Cancun. Kelly noted the Texas Longhorns, Texas A&M Aggies and Baylor Bears' football teams' have a combined record of 1-8 when the senator is in the building while pointing to Cruz's 2-15 record attending games overall since 2017. Though one of those wins belong to the Houston Astros during their title run in 2022. Most recently, Cruz lost a bet with Florida senator Rick Scott when he showed up to cheer on Houston against at the 2025 Final Four. That was after he lost a bet with Vice President J.D. Vance on the College Football Playoff game between Texas and Ohio State. Per the Houston Chronicle: Kelly and [co-author Charles] Kuffner proposed the resolution urging Cruz to focus on protecting the jobs of NASA and other federal employees affected by the Trump administration's budget cuts, along with other key issues. "Medical research at MD Anderson and the Texas Medical Center is being gutted. Tariffs are killing the Texas economy," Kuffner wrote. "We are beyond asking Ted Cruz to help." The drafted resolution states that party members will collaborate with all partners to prevent Cruz from attending college playoff sporting events in person. "We further urge him to spend quality time with his dog Snowflake (a reference to when Cruz went to Cancun during the 2021 Winter Storm Uri), or share a couch with JD Vance or work on his basketball skills—anything other than attend a college playoff game in person," the text reads. Cruz's office did not find much humor here, telling the Chronicle, essentially, the losses are not his fault. "Ted has been attending Texas sports games his entire life," a spokesperson said. "When they win, he's there. When they lose, he's there. When Texas Democrats lose, he's almost always there.' Many, many sports fans disagree. Now that the Dallas Stars are closing in on the NHL's Western Conference Final, the Dallas Mavericks have the No. 1 NBA draft pick and the Texas Longhorns are ready to name Arch Manning QB1, the resolution couldn't be coming at a more crucial moment for sports fans who believe in curses.
