Texas Winter Storm Uri
What can Winter Storm Uri teach us about deregulation, legislation and who is affected the most?

Isabel Nakisher, Averi Cumings, and Daphne Onsay

An aging energy grid, deregulation and climate change left communities of color in Texas most vulnerable and affected by the coldest and most severe storm the state has experienced in history.

In February of 2021, Texas was hit with a massive winter storm, leaving many with no electricity and heat while experiencing record cold temperatures. The widespread blackouts exposed issues with Texas' independant grid as well as deeper issues of systemic environmental racism in the state.

Learning objectives

  • Understand the history of Texas' energy independence and how the electrical grid currently functions
  • Understand the events and impact of Texas Winter Storm Uri before, during and after the storm
  • Identify connections between Texas' electric infrastructure, Winter Storm Uri, and climate injustice
  • Critique Texas' policies by identifying and evaluating the impact of intentional and unintended consequences as well as discuss and formulate possible solutions.

Case location

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