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Don't Mess With Texas but Think of Its Infrastructure

 As more information about Texas' fatal and disastrous week with its energy system, the evidence points more and more towards the importance of infrastructure when it comes to thinking about energy distribution. 

Texas is the #1 producer of wind energy in the United States and alone is #5 in the world (for reference, California generates less energy than states like Iowa and Oaklahoma).

As the news stories came out, some pundits pointed to this large wind energy generation as the reason for the entire grid's failures. However, a closer look at Texas' infrastructure may tell a different story. Texas is mostly energy independent from the rest of North America meaning that it cannot easily draw energy generated in surrounding states. 

Louisiana borders Texas and faced similar extreme weather conditions but did not face the same extreme energy shortages. 

Similarly, for committee, it is important for delegates to consider the larger infrastructural impacts of your proposed solutions. Yes, wind energy and nuclear energy could spell a carbon-neutral energy future but what good is that if the system cannot meet real energy demands? 

We encourage delegates to propose solutions focused less on the deployment of specific types of technologies but rather think about the infrastructure and institutions that would support a resilient and green future.

Right now, many people in Texas are still facing shortages and many families have lost loved ones during this time. If you have the extra capital, please consider donating to mutual aid efforts.


from @intersectionalenvironmentalism

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