Texas Political Spotlight: Happy Thanksgiving Texas

Incoming Border Czar, Tom Homan, Visits Texas

During a visit to the Texas-Mexico border, Tom Homan, Donald Trump’s designated "border czar," pledged aggressive actions to address immigration, including plans for mass deportations. Accompanied by Governor Greg Abbott, Homan criticized the Biden administration's handling of border security and emphasized that preparations for Trump’s immigration policies are already underway. During their visit, they served meals to National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers stationed as part of Operation Lone Star, Governor Abbott's border initiative launched in 2021 to address immigration concerns. Despite declining illegal border crossings under the Biden administration, Governor Abbott defended Texas' ongoing response on Tuesday, arguing that the state is upholding federal immigration laws, about which Abbott said the Biden administration’s enforcement fell short.

PUC Adopts New Crypto Mining Registration Rule

Cryptocurrency mining's rapid growth in Texas has prompted new regulations to safeguard the state’s electric grid. Texas has become a popular destination for crypto miners due to its relatively low energy costs and deregulated electricity market, which incentivizes industrial-scale operations. A recently adopted rule requires facilities consuming over 75 megawatts of power to register with the state’s grid operator, as mandated by a 2023 law. These facilities must disclose their location, ownership, electricity demand, and anticipated peak load for the next five years to ensure the grid’s reliability. Crypto mining consumes vast amounts of electricity but can adjust power usage quickly during grid strain. Facilities must register by February 1 annually, with penalties of up to $25,000 per day for non-compliance.

Rice University Reports Texas at Risk for Water Crisis

A new report from Rice University’s Baker Institute highlights a long-term water supply deficit in Texas, posing risks to the state’s economy and infrastructure. It estimates that a severe drought, similar to the one in the 1950s, could result in $160 billion in annual GDP losses, 800,000 lost jobs, and create a significant population migration by 2030. The report also warns of potential energy generation disruptions, including rolling blackouts, and notes that deteriorating infrastructure could contribute to $320 billion in economic losses. By 2070, the state could face a water deficit of 6.9 million acre-feet, requiring an estimated $154 billion in investments for new water supplies and system repairs. The study calls for increased attention to water infrastructure funding to help mitigate these challenges and protect Texas’ future.

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