Natural gas fails again

Power failure

Regarding “Texas pollution rises after cold snap wreaks havoc on natural gas sector,” ( Jan. 5): During the recent relatively light freeze we learn that Texas gas production plunged to the lowest level since last year's big freeze and much of the industry has managed to avoid “hardening” their facilities knowing it's easier to pay a fine. I imagine that the CEOs are only worried about their profits. The system is broken. Are we surprised?

Fred Graves, Houston Regarding “ERCOT regulator promises Texas 'the lights will stay on' this winter,” (Dec. 8) and “Solar set to double footprint in Texas, grow worldwide,” (Dec. 31): I'd like to thank Shelby Webb for two informative articles. It's good to know that generation units and transmission facilities are being inspected, but as the Chronicle's article on the recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission report stated, “natural gas operators' equipment freezing up cut off twice as much gas supply as rolling blackouts and downed power lines.” On a positive note, it's good to see that solar renewable power is growing quickly in Texas and nationwide. This creates a great opportunity for Texans to save money on their electricity cost.

Check out the www.powertochoose.org to look at the various options for buying electricity from utilities that use 100 percent renewable energy.

Joseph Garfunkel, Houston chapter leader of Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Brother got it right

Regarding “Opinion: Biden Should Have Left Alone What Worked Under Trump,” ( Jan. 5): As a Democrat, I was troubled by much of what Maureen Dowd's brother said in her column, but I praise Dowd for giving Kevin her page. While I disagreed with the emphasis on many of the shortcomings he placed at Biden's feet, I agree with two of his positions: I totally agree that Kamala Harris has had a horrible year. In particular, and probably very evident here in Texas, it seems she has vacated her supposed role as lead on the immigration issue. Second, more importantly, I am very disappointed with the way Biden switched from a moderate (that I applauded with my vote) to a very progressive stance on Build Back Better.

Joe Christoffel, The Woodlands