Doing things the TEXAS way. In this segment, the conversation takes a bold turn into the realities of Texas power and America’s energy future with Americans for Prosperity ???? Texas now boasts the 8th-largest economy in the world—bigger than Russia’s—which means the Texas governor holds influence that rivals global leaders. The panel dives into why energy is the backbone of that strength: no energy, no economy. With AI data centers, Bitcoin miners, and rapid tech expansion demanding more power, Texas sits at a crossroads. Some fear new energy-hungry industries moving in—but as our guest says, that’s not innovation. Texas has the resources and the talent. What’s missing? Clearing government barriers that slow production and choke progress. The solution: an all-of-the-above energy strategy—nuclear, oil and gas, LNG, and more—paired with serious permitting reform. Because if it takes 7–8 years to build new infrastructure, investment will go elsewhere. This is a must-watch for anyone who cares about energy policy, economic growth, and the future of Texas leadership. Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a major libertarian-conservative political advocacy group in the U.S. https://americansforprosperity.org/ Let’s gear up for a massive 2026. The Crude Truth sits down with two of the most influential grassroots leaders in Texas politics: Kristi Antonick and James Mayville of Americans for Prosperity Texas (AFP-TX) https://americansforprosperity.org/ They break down how AFP became “the people’s lobby” — connecting everyday Texans to policymakers, building a decades-long fight into a historic school choice victory, and now helping lead the charge on Governor Abbott’s bold new property tax reform agenda. From property tax relief vs. real reform, to reining in out-of-control local spending, to educating voters on bonds and appraisals, Chrissie and James show how grassroots energy is reshaping Texas from the ground up. Then the conversation shifts to energy: why Texas now has the 8th-largest economy in the world (bigger than Russia), why we’ll need more capacity (AI, data centers, Bitcoin, manufacturing), and how a pro-nuclear, all-of-the-above strategy and permitting reform are critical to keeping Texas free, prosperous, and powered. They highlight Natura Resources’ molten salt reactor project near Abilene, AFP’s Freedom Unleashed Tour, and how local testimony, personal stories, and year-round door-knocking are changing both policy and elections in Texas. If you care about school choice, property taxes, energy policy, or defending liberty in Texas, this episode is a roadmap for how citizens can get in the arena and make a real impact. ???? Learn more / get involved: freedomisbigger.com Subscribe to the Crude Truth Subsack Here: https://pecoscrudetruth.substack.com/p/kristi-antonick-and-james-mayville
