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Texas Political Spotlight: Texas GOP Divided on THC Ban Plans

Welcome back, friends

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller publicly disagrees with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick about the future of THC in Texas, with Patrick backing a ban on consumable THC but allowing medical cannabis. Miller urges GOP unity on the issue and supports expanding medical marijuana access while opposing recreational use.

Today’s Insights:

  • Texas GOP Divided on THC Ban Plans

  • Lawmakers Eye Social Media Restrictions for Minors

  • Texas Grid Ready for Winter, but Cold Risks Remain

Image Credit: Brian Rosenthal, Houston Chronicle

Texas GOP Divided on THC Ban Plans

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller disagrees with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on the future of THC in the state. Patrick recently announced a bill to ban all consumable THC but clarified it would not impact the Compassionate Use Program for medical cannabis. Miller, however, believes the GOP should unify on this issue and reflect the will of Texans, citing a Texas Lyceum Poll where 60% supported marijuana legalization. Although Miller opposes recreational marijuana use, he advocates for expanding medical marijuana access to all Texans with legitimate needs. He states:

“It’s about freedom. It's about less regulation. It's about less government. It's about freedom between you and your doctor and getting government out of your life.”

"So, I think it's a conservative issue."

Lawmakers Eye Social Media Restrictions for Minors 

Texas lawmakers are considering measures to protect children from online dangers, including a proposed ban on minors creating social media accounts, outlined in House Bill 186 filed by Rep. Jared Patterson. Educators and law enforcement officials have raised concerns about cyberbullying, online grooming, and exposure to harmful content, much of which originates from students’ widespread access to smartphones, including on school campuses. Schools report difficulties in addressing these issues due to limited resources and students’ ability to bypass campus internet restrictions.

During legislative hearings, testimony highlighted the impacts of social media on minors, including cases of mental health struggles, exploitation, and grooming facilitated by online platforms. Proposed solutions include funding internet crimes units, deploying artificial intelligence to detect explicit content, and strengthening legal requirements for technology companies to monitor and remove harmful material. Law enforcement agencies report being inundated with thousands of monthly tips about online child exploitation but face challenges due to staffing shortages.

Supporters of House Bill 186 and other proposed initiatives point to studies showing nearly all teens and many younger children regularly use social media, often without adequate safeguards. The upcoming legislative session will prioritize addressing these risks while navigating challenges around enforcement and the role of technology companies.

Image Credit, FOX 4 KDFW

Texas Grid Ready for Winter, but Cold Risks Remain

Texas’ main power grid is better prepared for extreme cold this winter, thanks to new power generation and weatherization improvements made since the devastating 2021 Winter Storm Uri. ERCOT officials highlighted the addition of over 10,000 megawatts of capacity, including 5,155 megawatts of solar power, 3,693 megawatts of storage, 724 megawatts of natural gas, and 616 megawatts of wind. These upgrades have reduced the risk of grid emergencies during peak demand from 11.6% last winter to 8.7% this year. ERCOT meteorologist Chris Coleman forecasts a warmer-than-average winter overall but warned of a higher likelihood of extreme cold events, with current atmospheric patterns resembling those seen during Uri.

Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the state’s readiness this past week, pointing to legislative measures and ERCOT’s 2,892 inspections of facilities to enforce new weatherization standards. Despite the improvements, ERCOT acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as increased winter electricity demand, which reached a record-breaking 78,349 megawatts in January 2023. Additionally, renewable sources like solar and wind generate less power during cold months, making consistent supply a concern. Officials noted that while conditions are better than in 2021, another extreme storm would still test the grid’s resilience.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

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