December 5, 2018

State Legislators, Local Officials, Energy Experts Featured

PHARR – The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership today hosted an Energy Summit in Pharr, which showcased the economic impact of the oil and natural gas industry in the Rio Grande Valley.

“We are proud to host this historic energy summit here in Pharr, bringing together local leaders, state officials, and oil and natural gas representatives to discuss current industry issues, future outlook, and the impact on our Texas economy,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.  “We thank Commissioner Staples, the RGV Partnership, and all attendees as we work together to energize our economies, fuel our communities, and ignite our future,” he continued.

“The men and women of the oil and natural gas industry in the Rio Grande Valley are securing the region’s economy, environment and future,” said Todd Staples, president of TXOGA. “Continued oil and natural gas production and LNG export facilities in the Valley will play an important role, not only in creating local jobs and investment, but also in anchoring our state’s position as a global energy leader.”

In addition to Mayor Hernandez and Commissioner Staples, featured speakers at the Energy Summit included Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., Senator Chuy Hinojosa, State Representative Bobby Guerra, RGV Partnership President Sergio Contreras, and Jorge R. Piñón, Director of Institutional Relations – Mexico, University of Texas at Austin, Jackson School of Geosciences.  An industry panel including Enbridge Vice President Kurt Knight-Turcan and Port of Brownsville Executive Director Eddie Campirano addressed the economic impact and opportunities made possible by various sectors of the oil and natural gas industry in the region.

“Responsible, robust oil and natural gas development is key to economic and job growth in Texas,” said Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. “As we heard at today’s Energy Summit, the energy industry is playing an important role in creating opportunities for our communities in the Valley.”

“Texas leads the nation in oil and natural gas production. TXOGA and its members should be proud of this accomplishment and the positive economic impact this industry has on our region and state,” said Senator Chuy Hinojosa. “I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively on the necessary investments for a healthy, educated, and well-trained workforce that will keep the Texas economy strong.”

RGV Partnership President Sergio Contreras concluded, “We are fortunate to have such rich energy resources in Texas.  We encourage our legislators to continue to embrace policies that foster oil and natural gas investments that are driving regional diversification and job creation in the Rio Grande Valley.”