Nuclear Power
What to know: The Texas A&M University system has chosen four companies to develop small, modular nuclear reactors on its research campus in Bryan.
The TPPF take: AI and data centers are creating a huge demand for new power sources.
“Wind, solar, and batteries cannot be built in sufficient quantities to meet this growth over the next decade, which means there is an urgent need to build more reliable and scalable electricity generation capacity,” says TPPF’s Brent Bennett. “The smaller size, modular design, and advanced fueling capabilities of SMRs make them prime candidates for further integrating nuclear power into the fuel mix.”
For more on small, modular nuclear reactors, click here.
Make Austin Great Again
What to Know: Austin’s socialist city government is failing at its most basic duties, prompting widespread concerns over rising crime, congestion, homelessness, and unaffordability. This obvious deterioration has spurred at least two state lawmakers to propose taking over some or all of city policymaking.
The TPPF Take: Austin’s mismanagement affects every Texan through higher costs, fewer state services, and greater embarrassment. A Texas Capitol Complex offers a way to course correct.
“Austin is in danger of becoming the San Francisco of the south, with its radical policies resulting in high crime, high taxes, and more misery. This present state of affairs is unbecoming of the Lone Star State and begs for an immediate course correction,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “Establishing a Texas Capitol Complex promises to halt the rot and move Texas’ Capitol city in a much better direction.”
For more on local governance in Austin, click here.
Doctor Shortage
What to know: The nation’s physician shortage is only going to get worse as older clinicians retire, experts warn.
The TPPF take: Texas has one of the nation’s worst physician shortages. But that could change.
“Texas has the opportunity to use top tier foreign-licensed doctors to supplement the shortage, while freeing up its capability to train more Texas doctors,” says TPPF’s Nicholas Armstrong. “The 89th Texas Legislature should create an alternative pathway to licensure to attract foreign-licensed doctors to practice in Texas.”
For more on the physician shortage, click here.