TXOGA Lone Star Energy Forum & Centennial Celebration Showcases 100 Years of Innovation and Leadership of the Texas Oil and Natural Gas Industry

October 25, 2019

AUSTIN – The Texas Oil & Gas Association’s (TXOGA) Lone Star Energy Forum & Centennial Celebration held Tuesday in Austin showcased the innovation and the state, national and global leadership of the Texas oil and natural gas industry.

The all-day celebration began with TXOGA’s annual Lone Star Energy Forum, where attendees heard from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, industry leaders Susan Dio, BP America Chairman and President, Steve Green, Chevron North America President, Don Baldridge, DCP Midstream President, Don Templin, Marathon Petroleum Corporation Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Millennial Labs CEO Paul Moya. A panel focused on the current political outlook featured Republican Political Strategist Jason Johnson and Democratic Political Analyst Harold Cook, and was moderated by Spectrum New Austin’s Karina Kling.

“The Lone Star State would not be in the position it is today without the tireless efforts of TXOGA and the oil and gas industry,” said Governor Abbott. “This industry has fueled Texas’ economic growth and prosperity by expanding trade, creating more jobs, and fostering innovation. I congratulate TXOGA on its milestone of 100 years and look forward to building on our partnership to create an even brighter future for the Lone Star State.”

The evening program – the Centennial Celebration Gala – featured a fireside chat with President George W. Bush and the presentation of the 2019 Distinguished Service Award to Darren Woods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation, and Jeffery Hildebrand, Founder and Executive Chairman of Hilcorp Energy Company.

“The Distinguished Service Award is one of the oldest and most prestigious honors bestowed on members of our industry,” said Trevor Rees-Jones, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chief Oil & Gas and Chairman of the Distinguished Service Award Committee. “Since 1936, the Award has been chosen by industry leaders to recognize their colleagues for their extraordinary contributions to the oil and natural gas industry and to the nation. We are proud to add Darren Woods and Jeffery Hildebrand to those ranks.”

The celebration concluded with the unveiling of the newly-renovated and expanded “Texas Oil and Gas” exhibit at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.  Visitors to the exhibit are invited to learn about cutting-edge innovation, economic impact, and the environmental progress of the industry over the past 100 years.  The exhibit was made possible with the support of Texas oil and natural gas companies.

“Innovation, perseverance and grit are the unmistakable hallmarks of being a Texan, and no one better personifies these timeless traits than the early oil wildcatters here in Texas who set out to change the world more than 100 years ago,” said Todd Staples, President of TXOGA.  “Today, their legacy lives on as the endeavors of a new generation of explorers in the Texas oil and natural gas industry have catapulted the United States to become the world’s undisputed energy leader.  We can be proud that the technology and know-how that reshaped the world’s energy landscape started right here in Lone Star State.”

 

+++

Stay Updated

Get quick updates in our e‑newsletter.

Related Updates

AUSTIN, Texas—Texas Oil & Gas Association President Todd Staples released the following statement regarding the Railroad Commission of Texas’ (RRC) approval of the permitting required to move forward on the proposed Rose Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project in Jefferson County: “Texas leads because Texas builds. For generations, the Lone Star State has shown that

September 15, 2026

Check out our August Month in Review to see how TXOGA continued advocating for the Texas oil and natural gas industry.               RECOMMENDED READING Staples: Is Texas still open for business? TXOGA President Todd Staples Supports Landowner Protections Included in PUC Decision TXLEGE | TXOGA President Staples: West Texas,

September 1, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas—Following the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ unanimous adoption of two proposals for decision related to the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), issued the following statement: “Energy security should be non-negotiable for all Texans. And picking the least impactful route when building critical infrastructure

August 28, 2026

PICTURED: TXOGA President Todd Staples, TXOGA Staff, Energy Elevated Showcase Award Winners (Aquafortus and UES Professional Solutions), and Guest Commentator Brad Johnson (Texas Bullpen Co-Founder and Reporter) HOUSTON, Texas—Today, innovation within the oil and natural gas industry took center stage at the Energy Elevated Technology Showcase in Houston, hosted by the Texas Oil & Gas

August 27, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas—Today, Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) President Todd Staples issued the following statement on the response from the State Office of Administrative Hearings regarding transmission infrastructure needed to bring adequate power to Texas. On behalf of TXOGA President Todd Staples: “The Administrative Law Judges’ recommendation to disregard the demonstrated need for additional transmission

August 24, 2026

She was the first woman Texas sent to the United States Senate, and she later represented America at the NATO table. Today, she is helping shape the next generation of energy leaders. On this episode of TXOGA Talks, host TXOGA President Todd Staples sits down with Senator and Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison to discuss the […]

August 20, 2026

Subscribe to our mailing list!

Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all the latest news and events.

NOTE: Fields with an asterisk * are required.

Contact us

If you are interested in Affiliate Membership please complete the form and we will be in touch shortly.

NOTE: Fields with an asterisk * are required.

Contact us

If you are interested in Formula Membership please complete the form and we will be in touch shortly.

NOTE: Fields with an asterisk * are required.