Policy & Issues
2020 Virtual Energy Summit Series
During September and October of 2020, TXOGA hosted a virtual energy summit series “Powering Your Community” across seven different regions of Texas dedicated to discussions with statewide leaders, local representatives and industry advocates about the importance of the state’s oil and natural gas industry, which has been the cornerstone of the Texas economy and will continue to be.
“As oil and natural gas companies navigate the challenges of the marketplace, we need to be doing all that we can to maintain the stabilizing force that Texas has become for our state and the world”
“We can do that by holding fast to science-based regulations and policies that encourage responsible energy production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and continued investment in innovations that have made the United States the world leader in energy production and environmental progress. Texas oil and natural gas is making our nation and our state cleaner, stronger, and better, and TXOGA is proud to partner with businesses and families across Texas who want a brighter future.”
Todd Staples
TXOGA president
Powering Your Community: North & East Texas
On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, TXOGA hosted Powering Your Community – North Texas & East Texas, featuring U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess and Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. Moderated by TXOGA President Todd Staples, the summit focused on federal energy issues, the economic impact of the oil and natural gas industry and the budget state lawmakers will have to work with when they reconvene in January 2021.
Congressman Burgess, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, shared his perspectives on the importance of the oil and natural gas industry, the dire consequences of radical public policies like the Green New Deal and his certainty that the oil and natural gas industry will overcome current market challenges.
“In less than a decade, the American shale revolution, anchored squarely in Texas, propelled our nation to become the global energy leader, a status I believe we will maintain despite current challenges,” said Congressman Burgess. “I have every confidence that the Texas trademarks of innovation and perseverance will lead our energy producers to improve their efficiencies, refine their techniques, and respond to the needs of consumers both here and around the world for clean, reliable energy.”
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar provided an update of the budget forecast and the impact of the slowdown of oil and natural gas activity on state and local treasuries. State and local taxes and state royalties paid by oil and natural gas companies directly fund public education, universities, road construction and maintenance, first responders and our state’s Rainy Day Fund.
“The oil and natural gas industry is obviously a major driver of state and local revenue in Texas,” said Hegar. “While we’ve seen tax collections from most major sectors down from a year ago, the largest declines have been in the oil- and gas-related sectors. Just as every family and business have had to tighten up their budgets, the State is doing the same, but we remain committed to doing everything we can to help all Texans stay strong during these unprecedented times.”
“Recent developments remind us that benefits associated with a thriving energy sector are not guaranteed,” said Staples. “As oil and natural gas companies navigate the challenges of the marketplace, we need to be doing all that we can to maintain the stabilizing force that Texas has become for our state and the world. We can do that by holding fast to science-based regulations and policies that encourage responsible energy production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and continued investment in innovations that have made the United States the world leader in energy production and environmental progress.”
Powering Your Community: Permian Basin & Panhandle
On Thursday, September 17, 2020, TXOGA hosted Powering Your Community – Permian Basin & Panhandle, featuring Midland Mayor Patrick Payton and Permian Strategic Partnership President & CEO Tracee Bentley. Moderated by TXOGA President Todd Staples, the summit focused on the impact of the Permian Basin and Panhandle regions on the state’s economy, the importance of pipeline and water infrastructure and the industry’s engagement with communities in the region.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick shared his perspectives on the importance of the Permian Basin and Panhandle regions to Texas and provided a preview of energy issues the legislature may consider when they reconvene in January.
“Texas is leading the national economic recovery in these challenging times because we are committed to maintaining policies that create jobs, investment and innovation in the oil and natural gas sector. No matter where you live in our great state, a strong oil and natural gas industry benefits us all,” said Patrick.
Midland Mayor Patrick Payton reflected on the economic impact of the pandemic and low oil prices and shared his views on what Texas should be doing now to accelerate recovery.
“While the pandemic and resulting demand shock have been devastating for the Permian Basin, we know this region is resilient and economic recovery is on the horizon,” said Payton. “I am encouraging my fellow West Texans to take the long view and plan now for our infrastructure needs so that we are best positioned to grow once again when the economics start to turn around.”
Community engagement and support were the focus of Permian Strategic Partnership President & CEO Tracee Bentley’s remarks.
“The members of the Permian Strategic Partnership are proud to partner with leaders across the region to develop innovative solutions that are improving the quality of life for residents of the Permian Basin,” said Bentley. “There are more opportunities than ever to help these communities as they face the hardships that are upon us.”
“Recent developments remind us that benefits associated with a thriving energy sector are not guaranteed,” said Staples. “As oil and natural gas companies navigate the challenges of the marketplace, we need to be doing all that we can to maintain the stabilizing force that Texas has become for our state and the world. We can do that by holding fast to science-based regulations and policies that encourage responsible energy production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and continued investment in innovations that have made the United States the world leader in energy production and environmental progress.”
Powering Your Community: El Paso & Big Bend
On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, TXOGA hosted Powering Your Community – El Paso & Big Bend, featuring State Senator Pete Flores, State Representative César Blanco and Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs. Moderated by TXOGA President Todd Staples, the summit focused on the impact of the oil and natural gas industry in the El Paso and Big Bend regions, the contribution of the industry to education locally and statewide, and the importance of energy trade between Texas and Mexico.
Senator Flores described the impact of the oil and natural gas industry in his expansive legislative district.
“Every Texan in Senate District 19 benefits from a thriving oil and natural gas industry through well-paying jobs, investments in our communities and tax revenues that support public education, roads, emergency responders and more,” said Flores. “At the same time, the industry is innovating and investing billions of dollars in technologies that are improving the environment.”
Representative Blanco discussed the economic impact of the oil and natural gas industry as it relates to education in Texas.
“Many people may not know how much the Texas oil and natural gas industry directly supports public education and our universities,” said Blanco. “Our Permanent School Fund and our Permanent University Fund are among the largest education endowments in the nation and they’re exclusively funded with revenue from oil and natural gas activity.”
Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs emphasized the importance of trade, specifically trade between the United States and Mexico and the impact of exported liquified natural gas (LNG).
“Oil and natural gas produced in Texas strengthens our relationships with important trade partners while fortifying our economy at home,” said Hughs. “Our expanded ability to export LNG will take Texas to the next level as a leader in providing affordable, reliable energy that will lift up communities and grow economies around the world.”
Staples shared his perspectives on what Texas can do to accelerate economic recovery and help the state maintain its global energy standing.
“Recent developments remind us that benefits associated with a thriving energy sector are not guaranteed,” said Staples. “As oil and natural gas companies navigate the challenges of the marketplace, we need to be doing all that we can to maintain the stabilizing force that Texas has become for our state and the world. We can do that by holding fast to science-based regulations and policies that encourage responsible energy production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and continued investment in innovations that have made the United States the world leader in energy production and environmental progress.”
Powering Your Community: Eagle Ford & Laredo
On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, TXOGA hosted Powering Your Community – Eagle Ford & Laredo, featuring Congressman Henry Cuellar, State Representative J.M. Lozano and Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina. Moderated by TXOGA President Todd Staples, the summit focused on the economic impact of the oil and natural gas industry in the region, state and local tax revenue generated by oil and natural gas activity, and the industry’s contributions to education.
Congressman Cuellar described the region’s legacy as a leading oil and natural gas producer.
“The oil and natural gas industry is a driving force of opportunity in Texas and the Eagle Ford region,” said Cuellar. “We are fortunate that we are able to obtain natural resources in an environmentally safe way so we can create jobs, generate revenue and contribute mightily to our state and nation’s economic security and energy independence.”
Representative Lozano discussed the economic impact of the oil and natural gas industry for his district and for public education.
“Some of the best paying jobs are in oil and natural gas, and I know how critical those jobs are to our region, to our school districts and to our state,” said Lozano. “Tax revenue from the oil and natural gas industry that goes to school districts across our region helps minimize tuition increases and allows school districts to be able to have trade and technical programs, plus many industry companies partner with our local school districts to provide training and equipment.”
Judge Tijerina described the significance of the oil and natural gas industry to the county’s budget.
“Property taxes paid by the oil and natural gas industry make up nearly 25 percent of the tax base in Webb County,” said Tijerina. “Oil and natural gas revenue has been a gamechanger for our county as we have been able to invest in local infrastructure, our local first responders and essential services.”
Staples shared his perspectives on what Texas can do to accelerate economic recovery and help the state maintain its global energy standing.
“Recent developments remind us that benefits associated with a thriving energy sector are not guaranteed,” said Staples. “As oil and natural gas companies navigate the challenges of the marketplace, we need to be doing all that we can to maintain the stabilizing force that Texas has become for our state and the world. We can do that by holding fast to science-based regulations and policies that encourage responsible energy production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and continued investment in innovations that have made the United States the world leader in energy production and environmental progress.”
Powering Your Community: Southern Gulf Coast
On Thursday, September 24, 2020, TXOGA hosted Powering Your Community – Southern Gulf Coast, featuring U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Iain Vasey and RGV Partnership President and CEO Sergio Contreras. Moderated by TXOGA President Todd Staples, the summit focused on the oil and natural gas industry’s role in our national energy security, the economic impact of the industry and the industry’s economic ripple effect for communities across the region.
Senator Cruz emphasized the Texas oil and natural gas industry’s role in fortifying the state and nation’s energy security.
“There is an energy renaissance occurring in the United States, and Texas is leading the way,” Sen. Cruz said. “The LNG projects in both the RGV and Corpus Christi will further economic growth, help employ thousands of hardworking men and women, lower energy costs, and increase America’s energy independence.”
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush described the economic impact of oil and natural gas royalty revenues on the state.
“Texas is able to leverage revenue generated from oil and natural gas development on state lands to stabilize our economy and expand educational opportunities for all Texans,” said Bush.
During the event, Staples led a fireside chat with Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Iain Vasey and RGV Partnership President and CEO Sergio Contreras.
“The economic ripple effects of the oil and natural as industry in the Rio Grande Valley is profound,” said Contreras. “Every dollar invested and job created by this industry drives additional economic activity and employment opportunities in other, supporting sectors.”
“Jobs in the oil and natural gas industry are among the highest paying and most diverse in Texas,” said Vasey. “From welders and pipefitters to chemists and engineers to executive positions, the employment opportunities for the Gulf Coast workforce are vast. The energy sector as a whole is a fundamental underpinning of the Coastal Bend economy, and we are seeing resiliency in the sector as we come towards the end of 2020.”
Staples shared his perspectives on what Texas can do to accelerate economic recovery and help the state maintain its global energy standing.
“Recent developments remind us that benefits associated with a thriving energy sector are not guaranteed,” said Staples. “As oil and natural gas companies navigate the challenges of the marketplace, we need to be doing all that we can to maintain the stabilizing force that Texas has become for our state and the world. We can do that by holding fast to science-based regulations and policies that encourage responsible energy production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and continued investment in innovations that have made the United States the world leader in energy production and environmental progress.”
Powering Your Community: South Central Texas & San Antonio
On Tuesday, September 29, 2020, TXOGA hosted Powering Your Community – South Central Texas & San Antonio, featuring U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Representative Will Hurd and Texas Senator Pete Flores. Moderated by TXOGA President Todd Staples, the summit focused on the oil and natural gas industry’s global impact, its contribution to national security and its benefits for local economies.
U.S. Senator Cornyn emphasized the global impact of the Texas oil and natural gas industry.
“Our great state is a global powerhouse in the energy sector, and the work that the oil and natural gas industry does is critical to our success on the world stage,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Once we return to normal, we need to ensure that energy producers are able to meet increased demand.”
U.S. Rep. Hurd discussed the link between energy security and national security in the United States.
“Texas oil and natural gas leads the way for American energy,” said Rep. Hurd. “Besides fueling, powering and heating our country, this critical sector also benefits America’s national security. Thankfully, because of Texas’ energy sector, we have made great progress in moving towards energy independence in a responsible way.”
State Senator Flores described the industry’s impact on his district’s economy.
“Oil and natural gas represent a pillar of our regional economy, providing some of the best jobs in Texas and driving investment that benefits everyone,” said Sen. Flores. “More broadly, it is very exciting to watch technology revolutionize every aspect of the oil and natural gas industry, propelling our nation – with Senate District 19 leading – to be a global leader in environmental stewardship.”
Staples shared his perspectives on what Texas can do to accelerate economic recovery and help the state maintain its global energy standing.
“Recent developments remind us that benefits associated with a thriving energy sector are not guaranteed,” said Staples. “As oil and natural gas companies navigate the challenges of the marketplace, we need to be doing all that we can to maintain the stabilizing force that Texas has become for our state and the world. We can do that by holding fast to science-based regulations and policies that encourage responsible energy production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and continued investment in innovations that have made the United States the world leader in energy production and environmental progress.”
Powering Your Community: Greater Houston & Southeast Texas
On Thursday, October 1, 2020, TXOGA hosted Powering Your Community – Greater Houston & Southeast Texas, featuring Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Greater Houston Partnership Senior Vice President Patrick Jankowski. Moderated by TXOGA President Todd Staples, the summit focused on national energy security, the role of the oil and natural gas industry on our state’s budget, and the industry’s economic impact in the Greater Houston and Southeast Texas region.
U.S. Rep. Crenshaw expressed pride in the national security made possible by the Texas oil and natural gas industry.
“Every American should know and be proud that our nation is stronger and more secure than ever because of the Texas oil and natural gas industry,” said Rep. Crenshaw. “What happens in Texas not only makes us less dependent on foreign nations for our energy needs but has also catapulted this nation to become the global leader in the energy space.”
Texas House Speaker Bonnen described the industry’s contributions to our state budget and the ways lawmakers utilize the billions in revenues paid by oil and natural gas companies.
“Oil and natural gas activity across the state generates billions of dollars that fund public education and transportation and ensures Texas has a multi billion dollar savings account in our Rainy Day Fund,” said Bonnen. “The impact this industry has on every Texan is profound because of the robust contributions oil and natural gas activity provides for our state’s budgetary picture.”
Greater Houston Partnership’s Senior Vice President of Research, Patrick Jankowski, provided an update on current economics in Houston and a look toward the future.
“Like other sectors of our economy, this industry faces challenges in the current economic environment and may not be out of the woods yet,” said Jankowski. “For the region, energy will continue to be important for recovery, not only economically, but because the spirit of Houston is still very much tied to the industry.”
Staples shared his perspectives on what Texas can do to accelerate economic recovery and help the state maintain its global energy standing.
“Recent developments remind us that benefits associated with a thriving energy sector are not guaranteed,” said Staples. “As oil and natural gas companies navigate the challenges of the marketplace, we need to be doing all that we can to maintain the stabilizing force that Texas has become for our state and the world. We can do that by holding fast to science-based regulations and policies that encourage responsible energy production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and continued investment in innovations that have made the United States the world leader in energy production and environmental progress.”