AUSTIN – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar, State Representative J.M. Lozano and Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina headlined the Texas Oil & Gas Association’s (TXOGA) latest virtual energy summit, Powering Your Community – Eagle Ford & Laredo. The event was part of a new series of virtual summits TXOGA is hosting around the state during the months of September and October.
Moderated by TXOGA President Todd Staples, the summit focused on the economic impact of the oil and natural gas industry in the region, state and local tax revenue generated by oil and natural gas activity, and the industry’s contributions to education.
Congressman Cuellar described the region’s legacy as a leading oil and natural gas producer.
“The oil and natural gas industry is a driving force of opportunity in Texas and the Eagle Ford region,” said Cuellar. “We are fortunate that we are able to obtain natural resources in an environmentally safe way so we can create jobs, generate revenue and contribute mightily to our state and nation’s economic security and energy independence.”
Representative Lozano discussed the economic impact of the oil and natural gas industry for his district and for public education.
“Some of the best paying jobs are in oil and natural gas, and I know how critical those jobs are to our region, to our school districts and to our state,” said Lozano. “Tax revenue from the oil and natural gas industry that goes to school districts across our region helps minimize tuition increases and allows school districts to be able to have trade and technical programs, plus many industry companies partner with our local school districts to provide training and equipment.”
Judge Tijerina described the significance of the oil and natural gas industry to the county’s budget.
“Property taxes paid by the oil and natural gas industry make up nearly 25 percent of the tax base in Webb County,” said Tijerina. “Oil and natural gas revenue has been a gamechanger for our county as we have been able to invest in local infrastructure, our local first responders and essential services.”
Staples shared his perspectives on what Texas can do to accelerate economic recovery and help the state maintain its global energy standing.
“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.”
“As a former county judge, I saw firsthand how oil and natural gas activity and resulting tax revenue transformed our county budgets,” said Stephanie Moreno, executive director of the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable (STEER). “We are fortunate in our region to have federal, state and local officials who recognize how critical this industry is to the well being of our economy and our communities.”
TXOGA is hosting regional energy summits across the state. The full schedule is here.
Powering Your Community – Eagle Ford & Laredo will be available to view online shortly on TXOGA’s website and TXOGA’s YouTube page.
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STEER is the leading Eagle Ford Shale resource in the region and is the primary coordinator for communication and public advocacy surrounding the oil and natural gas industry in South Texas. STEER serves as the bridge connecting the industry and communities throughout South Texas to ensure positive collaboration and communication surrounding the activities associated with energy production in the Eagle Ford Shale and Rio Grande Valley. In 2018, the boards of STEER and TXOGA approved the merger of STEER into TXOGA. The merger was finalized on January 1, 2020.
Founded in 1919, TXOGA is the oldest and largest oil and gas trade association in Texas representing every facet of the industry.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Gretchen Fox, gfox@gfoxconsulting.com, 512-694-4326