Texas has passed a bill to protect Laughlin AFB, ERCOT, and National Security- DRC Press Release
Austin, TEXAS (June 21, 2021) - Texas Senate Bill 2116 (Campbell et al.), now known as the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, passed unanimously through the Texas House and Senate, was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 5 and is effective immediately. The law prohibits companies from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran from investing in projects connected to Texas's critical infrastructure, including the electrical grid.
In 2017 the Devils River Conservancy (DRC) discovered that a Chinese billionaire, through an intermediary, acquired 130,000 acres in Val Verde County, Texas, with plans to build wind farms and connect to the Texas grid. The DRC's initial concerns were impacts to the karst aquifer, endangered species, wilderness viewsheds, private property values, dark skies, migratory birds, and bats. However, they grew to include national security issues with the local Air Force base and the ERCOT grid. Working with landowners and engaged citizens, we started the "Don't Blow It" campaign not to oppose renewable energy but "don't blow it" with inappropriate siting.
Mr. Sun Guangxin (far left)
The Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act effectively blocks GH America, a Xinjiang Guanghui Industry Investment Co. subsidiary, from connecting to the electrical grid. Xinjiang Province, formerly known as East Turkestan, is in far northwestern China and is currently the focus of Western nations because of the ethnic genocide and human rights abuses of Uyghurs by the Chinese government. The wealthiest businessman in Xinjiang is also the largest landowner in Val Verde Co, Mr. Sun Guangxin, who controls the parent company in Xinjiang and a key player in the Chinese Communist Party.
There was not a federal or state law preventing investors from adversarial countries from connecting to the Texas electrical grid - until now.
The DRC will continue to oppose wind farm development in Val Verde County regardless of the investor as we strive to preserve the sanctity of this wild place for generations to come.
A big thank you to all who have joined this effort in Texas—starting with our Board of Directors, donors, and especially to the legislators whose support made this bill possible, including Senator Dr. Donna Campbell, Representatives Tan Parker, John Cyrier, and Eddie Morales, and our Governor Greg Abbott.
Front Row Left to Right- Senator Dr. Donna Campbell, Governor Gregg Abbott, Representative Tan Parker Back Row – Representatives John Cyrier, Eddie Morales, James White, DRC Executive Director Julie Lewey, and Representative Steve Toth
DRC funded billboard in Del Rio, Texas
Left to Right – Julie Lewey (DRC), Patrick Jenevein, Kyle Bass, Senator Dr. Donna Campbell, Colonel Steven McGraw (DPS), David Honeycutt (DRC), Randy Nunns (DRC)
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ABOUT DEVILS RIVER CONSERVANCY
The Devils River Conservancy, a 501 (c)3 organization committed to treasuring, preserving, and protecting the Devils River, its springs, and the lands within its water catchment area. The Devils River is a place many consider to be the last pristine river in Texas. Through education, research and advocacy, the DRC is on a mission to ensure the river's clean, clear waters and springs will continue to flow according to their historical and natural regimes. To learn more about the Devils River Conservancy, visit devilsriverconservancy.org. To find out how you can help protect Val Verde County's unique natural and scenic treasures from wind farm encroachment, visit dontblowittexas.org.) For more information contact DRC at (512) 482-4412 or info@devilsriverconservancy.org