**Watch Congresswoman Fletcher’s opening remarks HERE**

**Watch Congresswoman Fletcher introduce Mayor Turner HERE**

Today, the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee is holding a hearing to examine the Texas power grid failures during last month’s winter storm.  Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) invited Mayor Sylvester Turner to testify. 

Other witnesses for today’s hearing include: 

• Bill Magness, President and Chief Executive Officer, Electric Reliability Council of Texas
• Hon. Christi Craddick, Chairman, Railroad Commission of Texas
• Michael Shellenberger, Founder and President, Environmental Progress
• James Robb, President and Chief Executive Officer, North American Electric Reliability Corporation

Watch the ongoing hearing live here. 

Congresswoman Fletcher’s opening remarks: 

 Thank you so much, Chairman Pallone, for yielding to me, and Chairwoman DeGette and Ranking Member Griffith for holding this hearing today. 

 As one of the members of this committee who lived through the Texas Winter Storm, without power, without water, like millions across our state, I cannot overstate the seriousness of the cascading failures before and during this event—from the physical markets to the financial markets from communications to legislation, or lack thereof—nor can I overstate the importance of making sure that we don't fail to respond now.

 I agree with my colleague, Mr. Veasey.  The scientists have told us repeatedly that severe weather events will continue to occur more frequently and more intensely in our changing climate and we have to be prepared.  As Mr. Veasey noted, there was a little boy not far from where I live who froze to death in his own bed. 

 We have to learn exactly what happened, why it happened, and what we need to do to make sure it doesn't happen again—in Texas or anywhere else.  

 So, I thank you for holding this hearing, and I yield back. 

Congresswoman Fletcher’s introduction of Mayor Turner: 

 I am proud to welcome and introduce my mayor, Mayor Sylvester Turner, a lifelong Houstonian.

 A graduate of the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) and Harvard Law School, Mayor Turner put his passion for our hometown and his skills as a leader to work for Houstonians for decades.  First in the Texas legislature for more than 25 years, and now as our mayor.

 He has led our city through some of the greatest challenges we've ever faced, from Hurricane Harvey to Winter Storm Uri, and, of course, the Coronavirus pandemic.  His experience with both the legislative and regulatory matters as well as the on-the-ground impacts of this power disaster make his insights particularly useful today, and I'm so glad to welcome him to this hearing and to introduce him to you.

 Thank you so much. I yield back.