In a forced response to the media and political uproar, Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Chairman Thomas Gleeson has set the record straight on the Southern Spirit Transmission Line, assuring Texans that their power grid will remain independent and free from federal control. This clarification comes after a wave of misleading headlines and political gloating, both from Washington and Austin, suggesting that Texas’ long-guarded energy independence was about to be compromised.

The uproar began when mainstream media outlets and politicians gleefully proclaimed that the Southern Spirit project, a 320-mile high-voltage line connecting Texas to other states, signaled the beginning of federal control over Texas’ energy. These headlines painted a picture of Texas’ grid, operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), finally being “reined in” by federal oversight. Federal politicians cheered the supposed shift as a victory for national regulation, while even some Texas lawmakers hinted at ERCOT’s independence coming to an end.

However, in an official statement, Chairman Gleeson quashed these rumors, making it clear that Texas’ grid will remain fully independent from federal oversight. “The Texas grid will remain independent from the national grid and would not be subject to any federal oversight,” Gleeson affirmed. His statement cuts through the media-driven narrative, reasserting that while the Southern Spirit project connects Texas to other states, it will not affect the grid’s autonomy nor subject it to the heavy hand of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Media and Political Spin: A Manufactured Crisis

The backlash against the Southern Spirit Transmission Line started when national media outlets ran headlines framing the project as a “federal takeover” of Texas’ grid. This narrative was eagerly seized upon by certain federal and Texas politicians, who saw it as an opportunity to claim victory over Texas’ long-standing resistance to federal energy regulation. The reality, however, is quite different. While the project involves federal funds and connects Texas to out-of-state grids, it does not cede any control to Washington.

This is yet another example of how the mainstream media and federal politicians are quick to declare the end of Texas’ independence—whether in energy or any other sector. In this case, their eagerness to celebrate a perceived weakening of Texas’ sovereignty was not only premature but entirely unfounded. Chairman Gleeson’s clarification proves once again that Texas won’t bow to federal pressure, even when projects like the Southern Spirit involve cooperation with other states.

Protecting Texas Sovereignty Amid Federal Pressure

For Texans, the idea of federal control is not just about energy—it’s about preserving the autonomy that has defined the state’s identity for generations. The fact that Texas manages its own grid through ERCOT, free from FERC’s meddling, is a powerful symbol of that independence. Texans have always valued their ability to make decisions that best suit the state, without interference from Washington bureaucrats. The Southern Spirit project, while beneficial in terms of grid resilience, does not change that.

But let’s not lose sight of what the initial media spin represents: a concerted effort to undermine Texas’ sovereignty by celebrating federal intervention, however minor. Those politicians who were quick to claim that Texas’ independent grid was on the verge of collapse now stand corrected. And let’s be clear—those headlines were not merely speculative, they were designed to chip away at the notion that Texas can stand on its own. This is why Chairman Gleeson’s statement matters so much. It reaffirms that Texas is still in control of its energy future and won’t be caught up in the federal regulatory web.

Why This Matters for Texas Independence

The Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM) has long warned of the creeping influence of federal control, and the reaction to the Southern Spirit project is a stark reminder of why Texas must continue to push for full independence. While the media and federal officials are eager to cast any connection between Texas and national infrastructure as a step towards more federal oversight, Chairman Gleeson’s announcement shows that Texas isn’t playing along.

Texas’ ability to manage its own energy resources, without outside interference, is critical to maintaining its position as a global energy leader. Projects like the Southern Spirit line, which connect Texas to other states, offer practical benefits in terms of grid resilience. But federal dollars have historically come with federal strings attached. The Southern Spirit line could have been one such string, a small step towards more federal regulation, but that door has been firmly shut by this latest clarification. Texas is using the project to enhance its grid without giving up any control.

Reasserting Texas’ Independence in a Broader Narrative

The mainstream media and political establishment love to push the idea that Texas is slowly being drawn into the federal fold, that our independence is eroding. But time and again, Texas proves them wrong. Chairman Gleeson’s statement is a powerful reminder that while federal projects may cross our borders, they don’t get to dictate how we manage our state. We are willing to cooperate. We are not willing to capitulate. Texas will not surrender its energy independence—nor its broader sovereignty—because of federal involvement in infrastructure.

This is exactly why Texans must stay vigilant. The media may celebrate any perceived crack in Texas’ independent stance, but the people of Texas know better. We see the Southern Spirit project for what it is: a way to strengthen our grid, not to invite federal regulation. The politicians who were quick to gloat about federal oversight will have to rethink their victory lap.

Texas Independence Remains Strong

As Texans, we know that our state’s sovereignty isn’t up for debate. Projects like the Southern Spirit Transmission Line are simply practical steps to ensure we stay resilient and strong. But the principles of independence that define Texas are more important than ever. Federal overreach remains a threat, whether it’s in energy, immigration, or economic policy.

The Texas Nationalist Movement remains committed to pushing for full independence. As this episode shows, every connection to federal infrastructure brings with it the potential for more control—but Texas will not bend. The state’s energy independence is a microcosm of what Texans want for the entire state: the ability to govern ourselves, make our own decisions, and determine our own future.

Texas’ fight for sovereignty continues. The only way to fully ensure that we protect what makes Texas great is through full independence. The Southern Spirit project is not the end of Texas’ grid independence but a reminder that we must remain watchful and ready to defend our autonomy at every turn. Texans deserve nothing less. We must rally behind the cause of independence and ensure that the legacy of self-reliance continues to guide our future.