Rep. Barton on blackouts: "Grid failed when Texans needed it most"

Statement

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Arlington/Ennis) released the following statement about today's rolling blackouts in Texas, which left millions of people suffering in life threatening cold without power:

"There is no excuse for the rolling blackouts across the state of Texas today. This is a dangerous situation. Power isn't just a luxury in weather like this; it is a life saving necessity.

"The severe cold put stress on the grid and it failed when many Texans needed it most.

"This only underscores what I have been saying for many years - we need more power generation in Texas to keep up with the demands of a growing economy and a growing population. We have the desire, the resources, the knowhow and the will to build new plants, but federal red tape has blocked construction.

"The power base load needs to be built on a foundation of reliable, affordable, environmentally friendly energy sources such as natural gas, clean coal and nuclear power. I am a supporter of alternative energy, but at this point we can't depend on wind and solar power because the sun isn't always shining and the wind isn't always blowing.

"We need to make sure our power plants are ready to supply real power so that when people flip the switch on their heater, it comes on -- without exception.

"Everyone needs to learn from this situation and allow Texas to do what is best for Texans before these dangerous blackouts become more widespread."

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