Meeting Summary - 05/05/2025 House State Affairs

▶️3 - SB75 Hall | et al.

• SB75 seeks to codify the Texas Grid Security Commission under the Texas Department of Emergency Management, originally formed by executive order 49.
• Provides the background of past disasters such as Hurricane Katrina to emphasize the importance of preparedness.
• Discusses the threat of geomagnetic solar storms and potential man-made threats like electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons.
• Stresses the need for improved market incentives and regulatory frameworks for grid security.
• References recent power losses in Spain and Portugal as cautionary examples of infrastructure negligence.
• Mentions executive order 49 by Governor Abbott directed at enhancing the state’s resilience against critical infrastructure threats.
• The January report from the task force confirmed the risk of EMP events was acknowledged at a national level.
• Seeks legislative action to protect Texas's electrical grid from inevitable threats.
• No questions were posed by members during the session.
• Witnesses were called after the explanation of the bill.

▶️Don Brown - SB75

• Don Brown represented himself as one of the 4,000 Texans who signed the 'Secure the Bid' petition supporting SB75.
• HB2555 allowed transmission and distribution utilities to seek approval for resiliency measures, but it was voluntary and not all TDUs have submitted plans.
• SB75 codifies Governor Abbott's executive order to address issues such as electromagnetic pulses.
• Extensive cost study on risks like electromagnetic pulses and solar storms suggests solutions are financially viable.
• Protecting the grid through new technology is cost-effective, with costs amounting to only one-thousandth of the $33 billion 765-kV line project.
• Mentioned that technology is already in use at Centerpoint and Tennessee Valley Authority.
• Don Brown provided a handout with detailed figures and thanked the committee for their time.

▶️John Bolgiano - SB75

• John Bolgiano is representing himself in the meeting.
• He is testifying in support of SB75.
• He highlights the risk of non-nuclear EMP devices being accessed by non-state terrorist groups.
• He refers to the written testimony for more details.
• Bolgiano requests a favorable report on the bill.

▶️Tom Glass, Protect the Texas Grid - SB75

• Tom Glass represents Protect the Texas Grid and supports the bill SB75.
• He mentioned this as his sixth appearance in favor of a bill to protect Texas families from catastrophic grid events.
• Expressed optimism that the bill might pass this time.
• Thanked Chair King for timely introduction and committee members for their consideration.
• Acknowledged collaboration with Vice Chair Hernandez in securing the grid.

▶️David Theis, Allied Power Group - SB75

• David Theis registered in support of SB75.
• He is the producer and director of the film 'Grid Down, Power Up'.
• The film features narration by Dennis Quaid and has been shown to the Texas Legislature and on Capitol Hill.
• This is the sixth attempt to pass the bill, which codifies Governor Abbott's Executive Order No. 49 on grid security.
• Theis emphasizes the importance of passing the bill to protect the grid from threats such as solar storms.
• He represents a community of citizens who are concerned about grid security.
• Theis has invested significant personal resources and time in this cause.
• He urged the committee to pass the bill for the safety of future generations.

▶️Mark Bell, AECT - SB75

• Mark Bell testified on behalf of the Association of Electric Companies of Texas (AECT) regarding SB75.
• The testimony expressed neutrality on SB75 but raised concerns about its current form not addressing all critical infrastructure needs for the electric grid.
• Mark Bell highlighted the lessons learned from winter storm Uri, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the Texas electric grid.
• AECT supports Governor Abbott's executive order, GA-49, which focuses on protecting electric critical infrastructure comprehensively.
• Concerns were raised that SB75 could lead to significant consumer costs and lacks a comprehensive system view.
• AECT recommends that SB75 align with GA-49, suggesting that the Texas Grid Security Commission make recommendations on infrastructure and the electric supply chain.
• They propose the evaluation of state preparedness for specific scenarios and recommend cost estimation for implementing these recommendations.
• Reference was made to the existing resiliency plan passed in the last session.
• Mark Bell acknowledged Colonel Wilson's attention to concerns and expressed readiness to collaborate on language improvements.

▶️Cindi Castilla, Texas Eagle Forum - SB75

• Cindi Castilla testified as president of Texas Eagle Forum supporting SB75.
• SB75 received a unanimous 31-0 vote in the senate.
• The bill addresses vulnerabilities of the electrical grid to EMP attacks, solar flares, and terrorist attacks.
• The military and scientists see this threat as significant, impacting many aspects of life.
• Extended power outages could have severe consequences, including risks to medicine and food supply.
• Castilla suggests Texans are willing to pay a cost to secure the grid.
• Chairman Wilson closed on SB75, acknowledging the need to fine-tune definitions and consider costs.
• Collaboration with industry and legislators is ongoing to move the bill forward.
• The goal is to align the legislation with executive order 49 and present it to the governor soon.
• SB75 was left pending without objections from committee members.

▶️5 - SB1535 Zaffirini | et al.

• The chair introduced SB1535 and offered a committee substitute.
• The Texas Workforce Commission is responsible for workforce training in high-demand industries.
• There is currently no dedicated program for developing a skilled workforce in advanced nuclear energy.
• As the nuclear energy sector expands, there is a struggle to fill critical positions due to the need for specialized technical skills.
• The committee substitute for SB1535 aims to support targeted training to meet industry demands and secure the future of Texas's energy sector.
• The floor was opened for questions and witnesses, followed by public testimony.

▶️Jeremy Mazur, Texas 2036

• Jeremy Mazur testified on behalf of Texas 2036, supporting SB1535.
• He stated that nuclear energy presents opportunities for energy expansion in Texas, offering cleaner and more reliable generation.
• Challenges include the need for a trained and qualified workforce.
• A qualified workforce is crucial for supporting advanced nuclear technologies and gaining public confidence in nuclear power.
• SB1535 aims to develop this workforce through an advanced nuclear energy workforce development program.
• Mazur recommended supporting SB1535 as a policy measure for responsible nuclear power growth in Texas.
• No questions were asked by the members during this testimony.

▶️Kerry Ballast, Texas 2036

• Kerry Ballast testified on behalf of Tech's Workforce Commission.
• She is neutral on the bill.
• Offered to serve as a resource and answer any questions.
• No questions were asked by the members.

▶️Cyrus Reed, Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter

• Cyrus Reed represented the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club and supported the bill discussed.
• Reed emphasized the need for a well-trained workforce for new plants, avoiding inadequately trained personnel.
• The support for the bill revolves around job opportunities in nuclear, electrical, chemical, civil, and environmental engineering.
• Reed suggested adding language for worker training in radioactive waste management, storage, safety, and emergency planning.
• He emphasized the importance of future workers being able to manage facilities and handle emergencies effectively.
• Reed expressed willingness to answer any questions regarding the suggestions.

▶️McQueeney to Cyrus Reed

• Reed expressed opposition to using taxpayer funds for constructing new nuclear plants, but supported using funds to train workers for safe construction.
• There were areas of agreement and some disagreements on policy.
• No further questions were posed to the witness, Cyrus Reed.
• No additional testimony for or against SB1535 was presented.
• The committee substitute was withdrawn without objection.
• SB1535 was left pending without objection.