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

“As one of the largest industrial users of electricity, the Texas oil and natural gas industry depends on a reliable supply of electricity to maintain operations and to produce abundant, affordable energy for our state, nation, and allies abroad.

“We thank the Texas Legislature for their work to establish the Texas Energy Fund (TEF), which voters approved last fall. This is a tool to encourage investments in dispatchable generation projects that expand the reliability of the grid and contribute to our state’s success by meeting our growing electricity needs.

“Upon initial review of the 17 projects representing nearly 10,000 MW in potential new generation, TXOGA applauds the PUC for their consideration of diverse geographic siting locations, load growth regions, and transmission constraints. New generation projects, as well as the development of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, are crucial steps toward ensuring that Texas can meet its future energy demands while maintaining grid stability and supporting continued economic growth across the state.”

TXOGA previously issued a statement in support of the passage of the constitutional amendment creating the Texas Energy Fund and a statement on the PUC’s adoption of a proposed order to develop a electricity reliability plan for the Permian Basin.

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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.