BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday declaring a national emergency over security risks to the nation\u2019s electric grid, a move that could reshape local control and energy infrastructure development across Texas.<\/p>\n
The order targets vulnerabilities in the bulk-power system, specifically foreign-produced equipment that may contain remote-access capabilities or digital backdoors. <\/p>\n
Administration officials said the threat has grown more severe due to the rapid expansion of advanced manufacturing, data centers, artificial intelligence and defense production. These high-tech sectors, according to the administration, have exponentially increased the nation\u2019s dependence on abundant and reliable electricity.<\/p>\n
Under the new directive, the Secretary of Energy is authorized to block future transactions involving power equipment tied to designated foreign entities if they pose unacceptable national or grid security risks. The scope of the order is broad, covering equipment rated at 69 kilovolts or higher.<\/p>\n
The emergency declaration specifically regulates essential grid hardware. This includes transformers, generators, generation turbines, battery energy storage systems, grid-connected inverters, high-voltage circuit breakers, protective relays, industrial control systems, software, firmware and remote-access systems used in substations, control rooms and power-generating stations.<\/p>\n
For equipment already in place, the Department of Energy can require utility operators to identify, isolate, monitor, secure, disconnect, replace or remove compromised systems. <\/p>\n
However, the energy secretary must consider grid reliability, safety, replacement availability and continuity of service before ordering removals. The Department of Energy has 120 days to establish implementing rules, and the administration is directed to develop procurement policies prioritizing American-manufactured energy infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The federal directive comes as massive investments in transmission lines, power generation and advanced computing infrastructure unfold across Texas, including around Gibbons Creek in Grimes County. <\/p>\n