On this day, many years ago, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. On March 2, 1836, 60 delegates from around Texas came together to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence, which would later be used as inspiration in many ways for the Declaration of Independence, used in 1776 to formally separate the United States from Britain.
The Texas Declaration of Independence began a journey for Texas — a journey that continues today. Since the signing of the declaration, Texas has been known for its bravery and unwillingness to be held back.
Today, as we celebrate the historic event of Texas’ call for independence, we can’t help but think about the continued drive for prosperity displayed by our great state.
Did you know, if Texas were its own country it would be the sixth-largest oil producer in the world. That’s right, the sixth! Not to mention, Texas produces one third of the nation’s natural gas!
Texas is fortunate to have abundant, untapped natural resources. In 2016, Rystad Energy estimated the U.S. holds 264 billion barrels of oil reserves beneath the ground. This figure included oil in existing fields, new projects, recent discoveries as well as projections in undiscovered fields, according to CNN.
Of the 264 billion barrels, more than half is untapped unconventional shale oil. Even more staggering, it was estimated that Texas held more than 60 billion barrels of untapped oil in the existing Eagle Ford, Permian Basin and Barnett shale plays. There is more untapped oil in Texas than in all of China, says a CNN Money report.
Texas has a rich history, in many ways. Oil and gas has always played a part in that culture — it’s been a source of revenue for state funded programs including educational and state highway funds; it’s been a source of jobs for the rural and metropolitan communities alike; and it’s also been a source pride among Texans as well!
As Texans and Americans, we are proud to be leading the world in oil and gas production and exporting. Texans should be especially proud today, because our people’s resolve, brilliance and resourcefulness has had a direct role in the growth of our domestic energy market. The Lone Star State is leading the way to energy independence for the United States — not only because we have the natural resources, but also because we have the willingness to work hard, the support of smart industry-related legislation and, lastly, great people to power the industry!
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