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Texas Legislature 2021

Energy industry showers Gov. Greg Abbott, other Texas politicians with campaign cash after they passed power grid bills

For some energy experts, the increase in donations for the officials at the close of the session looks like a reward for not passing more stringent regulations and raises questions about whether lawmakers let the oil, gas and the broader energy industry off easy for its massive failures.

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference regarding Texas’ emergency response to an unprecedented winter storm gripping Texas on Feb. 13, 2021.

“Making a million-dollar political donation to reward the government for its light touch and encourage the government to continue turning a blind eye to price gouging and windfall profits while hundreds of people die seems like a good return on investment.”

— Michael Webber, professor of energy resources at the University of Texas at Austin.

“The storm, as bad as it was, helped him on his bottom line for contributions.”

— Bill Miller, a longtime Texas political consultant and lobbyist.

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Energy Politics State government Charles Schwertner Chris Paddie Greg Abbott Investigations Texas Legislature