September 17, 2020

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Midland Mayor Patrick Payton and Permian Strategic Partnership President & CEO Tracee Bentley headlined the Texas Oil & Gas Association’s (TXOGA) latest virtual energy summit, Powering Your Community – Permian Basin & Panhandle. The event was part of a new series of virtual summits TXOGA is hosting around the state over the next several weeks.

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 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.”

TXOGA is hosting regional energy summits across the state over the next several weeks. The full schedule is here.

The entire Powering Your Community – Virtual Energy Summit Series is available to view online on TXOGA’s YouTube page and at http://www.txoga.org/2020-virtual-energy-summit-series/.

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Founded in 1919, TXOGA is the oldest and largest oil and gas trade association in Texas representing every facet of the industry.