February 5, 2019

Governor praises oil and natural gas industry for positive impact on economy, national security and environmental advancements

AUSTIN – The following can be attributed to Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association:

“As the Governor pointed out, Texas is number one in the nation for oil and natural gas production, and the Texas oil and natural gas industry is responsible for helping the United States achieve something that for decades has seemed unattainable – energy independence.

Families, schools and businesses here in Texas, across the United States, and around the globe are better off because of the Texas oil and natural gas industry.  Our economy, our environment and our lives are improved because of innovative technologies that make energy exploration and production safer, critical infrastructure like pipelines that represent the safest and most reliable method of transportation for fuel, refineries that convert oil and natural gas into 96 percent of the everyday essentials that Texans use on a daily basis, and the ports that are exporting clean natural gas produced right here in Texas to communities across the globe.

And even as production has increased, technological advancements have helped the United States lead the world in emission reductions, with CO2 emissions at their lowest levels in 20 years. The industry pumps billions of dollars into state and local government coffers each year – an amount that equals $30 million a day – to fund schools, build roads, and support first responders, while providing over 300,000 direct jobs to Texans.

I want to thank Governor Abbott and our state leaders for their commitment to ensuring that the Texas oil and natural gas industry remains strong so that it can continue to provide the safe, affordable and reliable energy that is providing for Texas families and businesses, delivering good-paying jobs, funding our schools and roads, and securing our country’s energy future.”

+++