Abbott Declares "State of Emergency" During Power Grid Crisis

Recently, Texas has been experiencing extreme, cold weather conditions that have heavily impacted its power grid, thus affecting its citizens. Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) has come under fire from Texans and Democratic lawmakers who claim he and the state have been unprepared for the weather crisis. This criticism comes after a previous winter in which a similar situation occurred.

According to data from energy tracker PowerOutage.us, there are still nearly 100,000 Texans without power, as of today. Facing constant criticism and unfortunate weather circumstances, Gov. Greg Abbott has released a statement declaring a state of emergency for Texas.

“I’ve issued a disaster declaration for Texas counties impacted by this week’s ice storms. Texas is providing all available resources to help these communities recover,” stated Abbott. He continued, saying, “Thank you to our emergency response personnel helping their fellow Texans.”

“WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, do hereby certify that severe winter weather and heavy rain pose a threat of imminent disaster, including widespread and severe property damage, injury, and loss of life, due to significant ice accumulations, sub-freezing temperatures, freezing rain and sleet, hazardous travel disruptions, power outages, and heavy rains in Denton, Hays, Henderson, Milam, Smith, Travis, and Williamson Counties,” stated the Texas Governor.

He continued, saying, “NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby declare a state of disaster in the previously listed counties based on the existence of such threat.”

Abbott encouraged the use of the state’s resources to help fix the current problem, stating, “Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.”

Texans have been dealing with power grid issues for the last few years. Moreover, it is not just the cold weather that has put strains on the grid, but the heat as well. Given that Texas faces extreme weather from both ends, it is crucial that the power grid works optimally.