Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel has urged Democrats to adopt a diversified energy strategy similar to Texas, which includes both clean energy and fossil fuels. Emanuel highlighted Texas's response to Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which resulted in a more resilient energy transmission system and lower utility rates. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, he stated that Texas generates about 40% of its power from wind and solar, and has the highest capacity for battery storage in the nation, leading to electricity rates that are 10% to 30% lower than the national average.
Emanuel suggested a three-part strategy for lawmakers to address energy demand and costs. This includes imposing a tax on large data center companies to fund updates to transmission lines, reforming permitting processes to facilitate new energy infrastructure, and requiring utilities to prioritize the cheapest and cleanest new projects. He also called for increased investment in new energy technologies, such as geothermal and next-generation battery technology. Emanuel emphasized the potential for job creation and export opportunities through modernization of the energy sector.