The move shocked some environmental and consumer protection groups, who say Republicans are holding the Public Utility Commission hostage over an unrelated policy decision.
As the Texas Legislature starts hearings today to investigate the catastrophic power failure during last week's storm, the Environmental Defense Fund has published a report outlining policy recommendations for extreme weather and natural disasters.
Lawmakers in both parties acknowledge the measure impedes government transparency and public safety, but powerful special interests stand in the way of any major changes.
