When Winter Storm Fern hit the United States in late January 2026, it exposed serious weaknesses in America's energy system. Now, Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) is demanding answers and solutions.
During a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing, Rep. Pfluger pressed Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Chairman Laura Swett on measures to prevent future energy crises. His questions focused on the energy’s inconsistency during the storm's peak.
Pfluger noted that areas with robust natural gas pipeline infrastructure maintained relatively stable energy prices and reliable service throughout the emergency. However, areas with inadequate pipeline capacity experienced dramatic price increases, which were up to 300% above normal rates.
These underserved areas were forced to rely on alternative energy sources, including oil-based generation and imported electricity, just to maintain basic power service.
The congressman emphasized that the crisis stemmed not from insufficient fuel supplies but from inadequate infrastructure for transporting natural gas to affected areas. He questioned whether the existing structure adequately addressed the need for expanded pipeline development.
Laura Swett's Response
Chairman Swett acknowledged that communities without sufficient pipeline access faced unacceptable pricing and reliability challenges during the storm. However, she identified a significant regulatory obstacle that FERC cannot address on its own.
Current federal legislation grants individual states the authority to block interstate pipeline projects by withholding required certifications under the Clean Water Act. This would then enable states to reject pipeline proposals regardless of potential benefits to consumers in other areas.
Swett explained that congressional action would be necessary to modify this framework.
As families continue recovering from Winter Storm Fern's impact, the question remains whether lawmakers will take action to prevent future energy crises before the next major storm arrives.
