In a move that feels like “hell freezing over” to many Texans, the U.S. Department of Energy has announced that Texas will finally connect to the federal power grid for the first time in history. Through the Southern Spirit project, a 320-mile high-voltage line will link Texas’ independent ERCOT grid to the southeastern U.S. grids, with up to $360 million allocated for the project. This connection, promoted as a measure to prevent outages like those experienced during Winter Storm Uri, aims to enhance reliability and increase the flow of renewable energy. But behind these technical benefits lies a question about the future of Texas sovereignty.

Texas has long maintained its own isolated power grid, operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). This isolation isn’t just technical—it’s symbolic of Texas’ defiant independence, especially from federal oversight. By staying separate, ERCOT has avoided the heavy hand of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), allowing Texas to manage its energy markets and policies without interference. Now, with this new federal connection, the first cracks in that independence may be showing.

A Federal Trojan Horse?

At face value, the Southern Spirit project appears beneficial. Who wouldn’t want a more reliable power grid, especially after the hardships of Winter Storm Uri in 2021? The promise of 3,000 megawatts of bidirectional capacity, along with the creation of hundreds of jobs, makes it seem like a win for the Texas economy. However, the devil is in the details. Federal involvement in Texas’ power grid is more than just physical—it’s a step toward greater regulatory control.

Historically, ERCOT’s independence has kept the state free from federal energy regulations, but now that door is cracked open. Despite assurances that ERCOT will remain free from FERC’s oversight, how long will it be before the federal government uses this new connection as leverage to impose more regulations? This project may claim to preserve ERCOT’s autonomy, but federal dollars come with federal strings.

The Slippery Slope of Dependency

Once Texas connects to the federal grid, the consequences could be far-reaching. This connection is touted as a way to import power during emergencies, but it also means Texas could become dependent on other states’ energy supplies. Today, it’s about resilience during extreme weather, but what happens when federal policies shift? Texas could soon find itself beholden to federal energy mandates, with no real say in how its power is managed.

The energy landscape is shifting toward renewables, and the federal government’s push for clean energy will inevitably follow. Texas is already a leader in wind energy, but will future federal regulations force Texas to alter its energy policies in ways that don’t align with the state’s interests? The Biden administration has made it clear that its energy agenda is focused on decarbonization—what happens when Texas’ reliance on natural gas clashes with federal goals?

Texas Independence Under Threat

For years, the Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM) has warned about the creeping influence of the federal government. Energy has been one area where Texas has maintained true independence, making its own decisions without interference from Washington. But with this new federal project, that independence is in jeopardy.

The Southern Spirit project is a stark reminder of how the federal government uses seemingly beneficial programs to extend its control. Today, it’s a power line—tomorrow, it could be mandates, regulations, or even a loss of control over our energy future.

Texas has thrived as an energy powerhouse because of its autonomy. The very fact that we could make decisions about how to generate, distribute, and manage our energy resources without federal interference is what allowed Texas to become the leader it is today. Handing over even a fraction of that control to Washington is a dangerous precedent.

Time to Reassert Independence

This latest development underscores why Texas must continue to push for independence. The federal government has repeatedly shown that it cannot be trusted to respect the sovereignty of states. Whether it’s through energy policies, immigration enforcement, or economic interference, the federal government has always found ways to erode states’ rights.

The Texas Nationalist Movement has long advocated for a future where Texas controls its own destiny, including our energy future. The Southern Spirit project reminds us that true independence cannot exist while Texas is tethered to federal programs, regulations, or dollars.

Texas must take action to preserve ERCOT’s independence and ensure that any connections to the federal grid do not become Trojan horses for further control. We should remain vigilant about any federal overreach and demand transparency and accountability for every dollar spent on this project.

If Texas wants to secure a reliable energy future, the solution isn’t more federal involvement—it’s complete independence. The Southern Spirit project may seem like a temporary fix, but real, lasting solutions come from Texas being in control of its own energy decisions. Texans must demand that their leaders take this issue seriously and fight to protect the sovereignty that makes Texas great.

Texas won’t stand for federal interference in its power grid—or any other area of governance. This is yet another reason why Texas must pursue independence now more than ever.