In January, 2008, the Texas Oil & Gas Association was recognized for contributing to Hurricane Relief Efforts in a proclamation signed by Governor Rick Perry.  The effort to evacuate 3.1 million people in Texas in preparation for Hurricane Rita in 2005 still resonates as a continued opportunity to improve  preparedness plans for any evacuation of this nature and size.

Following a study and recommendations, Governor Perry signed an Executive Order on March 21, 2006 ordering improvements in fuel availability during a mass evacuation.  TXOGA continues to participate in the planning and practicing for such instances.  In the 2007 hurricane season, Hurricane Dean's threats to the Texas Coast challenged these plans.  Although,  Dean didn't impact the Texas Coast, the fuel industry was prepared for the worst.

The Plan's success can be attributed to the state-private partnership and the flexibility of the plan.  Since the industry is plugged into the state's evacuation plans, Texas is better served.