Texas Lawmaker Proposes Delayed School Start Dates

Texas Representative Jared Patterson has proposed legislation to delay the start of the school year until after Labor Day to alleviate stress on the state's power grid, particularly during the sweltering August heat. Patterson argues that cooling large school buildings during extreme temperatures is wasteful and could save taxpayer dollars. Despite the appeal of this idea, energy expert Doug Lewin cautioned that the proposal might not significantly impact power consumption, as it could lead to increased energy use in homes. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some praising it and others opposing it. Patterson emphasizes that this measure is just one aspect of a broader strategy to address grid issues in Texas. The proposal is set to be discussed further in the upcoming legislative session in 2025.