Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against three major investment firms – BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street – alleging their manipulation of coal markets has harmed Texas energy independence and raised costs for consumers. This legal action represents a critical step in protecting Texas’ economic sovereignty from outside interference.

The suit claims these financial giants formed a cartel to artificially restrict coal markets while pushing “green energy” initiatives that drive up electricity costs for Texans. This coordinated effort violates both federal antitrust laws and Texas state regulations designed to maintain free market competition and protect consumers from deceptive trade practices.

For those of us who’ve long championed Texas independence, this case highlights why we need complete control over our energy resources. When Wall Street firms can manipulate our markets and dictate energy policy from their Manhattan offices, they directly threaten the well-being of Texas families and businesses. Our state’s abundant natural resources should serve Texans first, not corporate agendas.

The economic implications run deep. Texas maintains one of the world’s largest economies, with our energy sector playing a central role. These investment firms’ alleged actions demonstrate how outside forces can undermine our economic self-determination. By bringing on Tony Buzbee as outside counsel – the same attorney who successfully defended him during last year’s impeachment trial – Paxton shows he’s serious about securing a major victory for Texas energy independence.

Ten other states have joined Texas in this fight, but make no mistake – Texas leads this charge. As Paxton stated in the announcement, “Texas will not tolerate the illegal weaponization of the financial industry in service of a destructive, politicized ‘environmental’ agenda.” The damages sought could reach into billions of dollars, funds that rightfully belong to Texas consumers who’ve paid inflated energy costs due to these market manipulations.

The response from BlackRock – claiming they’re “deeply invested in Texas’ success” – rings hollow when examined against their actions. Their statement about delivering financial returns to clients contradicts the evidence presented in the lawsuit showing how they’ve worked to restrict energy production and raise costs for Texas families.

This case demonstrates why Texas must secure total control over its economic destiny. When massive investment firms can collude to manipulate our energy markets while claiming to act in our best interests, it proves that even our considerable economic might as a state isn’t enough to protect us from external interference. Only through complete independence can we ensure Texas resources serve Texas interests first.