Problem(s)- Texas faces several infrastructure challenges from aging water systems and a lack of modern transportation infrastructure to power grid reliability and the need for more energy.

Texas’ infrastructure needs investment. Aging water systems across our state has led to significant water losses due to leaks and pipe breaks. In 2023, it was reported that Texas’ most populous cities lost roughly 88 billion gallons of water because of aging water infrastructure and extreme heat. This costs millions of dollars and strains the state’s water supply. This is not welcomed news given the projections of future water shortages. Furthermore, ERCOT has faced continued scrutiny after events like the 2021 winter storm where the grid collapsed, leaving millions without power. Despite reforms aimed at weatherization and increasing generation capacity, concerns remain about the grid's vulnerability particularly with more extreme weather and Texas’ economic growth.

Solution(s)- Scott understands this is a massive, multifaceted problem that involves outdated systems and inadequate investment in resilience and modernization.

We need to prioritize cost effective solutions yet long-term sustainability. This is not easy because issues are not only about physical infrastructure, but it is about policy, funding allocation, and governance, reflecting broader debates on how to best balance Texas’ economic growth.

The good news is Texas is blessed as America’s energy powerhouse. Our oil and gas lead the way with our state continuing to reach record-high crude oil and natural gas production numbers.

Some of the more immediate solutions include:

• To quote President Trump, “drill baby drill.” More specifically, we need to expand LNG production for Texas, America and our allies. This gives our partners around the world, but particularly in Europe and Asia, an alternative to Russian gas.

• Investing in better energy storage and transmission lines. Too much of Texas’ energy is lost in these two crucial areas.

• Repair our aging water infrastructure projects and invest in new. The $1 billion dollars for water infrastructure projects from 2023 was a start. However, it is estimated we need $80 billion over the next 50 years. This money needs to be spent wisely on projects already proven to be successful, yet cost effective, with involvement from the key players like the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).

• Investing in research and development: We need continuous investment in R&D for new energy and water technologies, grid management systems, and more efficient energy such as newer nuclear technology.

Republican leaders across Texas and the country agree that we need make America the dominant energy producer in the world. We can accelerate this by cutting costly and burdensome regulations. Texas needs to continue to lead the way in accomplishing these energy goals, which will bring with it manufacturing and other jobs.

Why Scott- He has lived and visited places around the world with subpar infrastructure and has seen the consequences when it starts to collapse. On the opposite side of the coin, certain countries are surpassing America as leaders in specific infrastructure areas. Let’s learn from them.

Scott is considered both a pragmatist and a futurist. His experience in the academic, business and technology sectors ensures that he continuously monitors the latest in key infrastructure areas. Whether it is newer hydrogen resources and electric air taxi legislation in DC or desalination plants in use in Spain to combat drought, you can rest assured Scott will be looking for optimal solutions to the plethora of current and future challenges that Texans face. 

Selected works by Scott on infrastructure related topics-

“How China has pulled ahead in the global nuclear race.” International Policy Digest. December 3, 2023.

“America’s deep reliance on valuable minerals.” International Policy Digest. October 21, 2023.

“Despite threats, Africa is looking to nuclear with Russia and China’s help.” The Conversation. October 26, 2015.