A proposed network of power lines for Houston’s oil and gas industry is sparking a backlash from thousands of residentsin the Dallas regionand the HillCountry who oppose the massive project as an intrusion on private property and natural areas.
Grid officials say the $14 billion project, which would be paid for over many years via charges on everybody’s electricity bill, is critical to keep the lights on as the state’s economy booms. It’s primarily meant to support electrification of oil-and-gas operations in the Permian Basin.
But controversy around the power-grid “superhighway” project is splintering Texas Republicans. Many don’t want to seem anti-growth, especially as the Trump administration promotes fossil fuels and artificial intelligence. At the same time, they’re facing growing wrath about the power lines from their rural constituents, who are also upset about the rapid influx of data centers…