AUSTIN – State Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst will serve on the new Senate Special Committee on Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness, Recovery, and Electricity. On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed Kolkhorst to this role, when he announced this committee to examine current practices and provide recommendations in preparing for and recovering from hurricanes and tropical storms. The committee will place a particular focus on electric utility companies and steps that can be taken to ensure Texans have a more resilient electric distribution system.

“I stand ready and grateful to serve on the newly-created Senate Special Committee on Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness, Recovery, and Electricity as announced today by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick,” said Senator Kolkhorst. “Texans, especially those impacted by Hurricane Beryl, deserve answers and solutions so our state and the for-profit infrastructure companies are better prepared and fully equipped to take on the next hurricane. This is a serious challenge, especially given the failures we just witnessed by some of these for-profit infrastructure companies during Beryl. As a Gulf Coast state, it is not a question of if – but a question of when – the next storm hits us.”

Accompanying Kolkhorst on this Special Committee will be: Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, Chair; Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, Vice Chair; Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston; Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston; Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston; Sen. Morgan LaMantia, D-Palm Valley; Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston; Sen. Borris Miles, D-Houston; Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville; Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo.

The first meeting of this committee will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Texas Capitol.

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