February 20, 2019
Texas Oil & Natural Gas Technology, Innovation and Pride on Display at Capitol
AUSTIN – Technology, innovation and Texas pride are the main attractions at today’s Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol, an event sponsored by more than 60 companies, associations and chambers of commerce from across the state. Over 700 Texans joined in Austin to share with their lawmakers why oil and natural gas matters to them, their families, and the state.
Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol participants are urging lawmakers to hold fast to the policies that have allowed Texas to safely and productively transform the state’s natural resources into hundreds of thousands of good jobs and critical state and local tax revenue. In fiscal year 2018, the Texas oil and natural gas industry paid more than $14 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties – amounting to $38 million a day to state and local coffers.
Texas leads the nation in oil and natural gas production, pipeline miles, and refining capacity, and provides over 348,000 Texans with good-paying jobs.
Legislators, state officials and their staffs got a look into how safe and technologically-advanced industry innovations and practices are – from production, transportation and refining – at the oil and natural gas exhibits and equipment on display just outside the Capitol on “Energy Avenue” and inside the Capitol in the “Tech Hub,” according to Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association.
“Texans are living longer and more prosperously because of the innovation on display at the Capitol. This undeniable progress reinforces that we do not live in an ‘either or’ world where you have to choose between energy and the environment,” said Staples. “While protecting and improving our environment, innovation allows us to produce more energy, create more jobs and bolster our energy security. Texas oil and natural gas is securing our economy, our environment and our future.”
Example of innovations on display included a virtual reality tour of an off-shore rig, an in-line inspection tool that can measure pressure and detect leaks from inside a pipeline, a frac sand conveyer belt truck, a Mobile Oilfield Learning Unit (MOLU) which is used in STEM education, a liquid nitrogen display, and models that show how wells are constructed with layers of concrete and steel pipe.
About Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol, Senator Brian Birdwell, chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee said, “Our state’s abundant natural resources play a huge part in our prosperity and economic growth, which sets us apart from other states. Energy is vitally important to Texas families, businesses and communities and I’m pleased to see the many faces of the men and women in this industry at their State Capitol today.” Senator Birdwell also sponsored S.R. 226, a resolution honoring 2019 Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol in the Texas State Senate.
Representative Chris Paddie, chairman of the House Energy Resources Committee added, “I’m thankful for all of the Texas energy supporters who are in Austin today educating lawmakers about why the Texas oil and natural gas industry is so strong. I’m looking forward to working with them to continue driving our vibrant economy, which is the envy of the world.” Chairman Paddie also sponsored H.R. 473, a resolution honoring 2019 Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol in the Texas House of Representatives.
Omar Garcia, Chief External Affairs Officer of the Port of Corpus Christi commented, “The Port of Corpus Christi is a proud sponsor and partner of Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol as this day aims to inform legislators and the public that the oil and natural gas industry is responsible for a healthy and robust economy and significant investments throughout the state all while maintaining environmental stewardship.”
Tony Bennett, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers, noted that the oil and natural gas boom has not only been good for Texas, but also for the growth of Texas manufacturing. “Inexpensive natural gas has lowered electricity and material costs for manufacturers who, in turn, use those cost savings to expand their operations and grow jobs in Texas,” said Bennett. “At the same time, manufacturers make everything from drill bits to steel pipe so increased activity in oil and natural gas production and transportation translates to increased manufacturing activity.”
Along with the hundreds participating in Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol in Austin, thousands have lent their voice to the cause online. Participants have utilized images on social platforms from Facebook to Snapchat and sent emails and letters to Texas lawmakers to help show their support for Texas oil and natural gas. (#TXEnergyDay2019)
What others are saying about Texas Energy Day @ The Capitol:
“The Texas Propane Gas Association is thrilled to have a presence at Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol as both a partner and sponsor of the day. As Texas continues to grow at a rapid rate, so must our capacity to meet our energy needs. We are proud to join energy supporters from across Texas to celebrate the many achievements of the energy industry.” – Bill Van Hoy, Executive Director, Texas Propane Gas Association
“The Texas oil and natural gas industry is the foundation of our state’s economy, contributing billions of dollars in tax revenue each year and providing hundreds of thousands of jobs for Texans across the state. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association is proud to serve as a partner of Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol, as this day will help highlight how science-based policies make energy affordable for all and our nation energy independent. – Ed Longanecker, President, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association
“The oil and natural gas industry is essential not only to a strong Texas economy, but also to the strengthening of Texas communities across the state. Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol brings together energy advocates from across the state to educate our lawmakers and the public on the numerous ways the oil and natural gas industry works to serve Texas and, for that reason, STEER is a proud partner of this unique event.” – Chris Ashcraft, Interim President of the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable
“The Texas Alliance of Energy Producers is committed to representing the independent oil and gas community in front of government, the public, and the media. Our goals are to ensure science, fact, and due process are the foundations of our regulatory framework and that our products are readily available worldwide to consumers. We welcome into our ranks all who share this vision.” – Jim Beck, Chairman, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers
“The Texas Royalty Council is pleased to be a partner of Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol. This important day helps demonstrate the significant role oil and natural gas has in lives of Texas families. More than 600,000 royalty owners depend on income from this industry to put food on their tables and to put their kids through college, and thus, understand the importance of maintaining an environment that encourages oil and natural gas production in our state.” – Tricia Davis, President, Texas Royalty Council, American Royalty Council
“The Permian Basin Petroleum Association is excited to support and celebrate Texas Energy Day @ The Capitol with elected officials, community leaders, industry representatives, and our allied trades to remind our friends in the Texas Legislature of the long history and positive impact that the energy industry has in Texas. From individual earnings to state revenue, we are proud that the Permian Basin has produced more that oil and gas-it has produced prosperity.” – Ben Shepperd, President, Permian Basin Petroleum Association
Texas Energy Day @ The Capitol Partners:
Association of Energy Service Companies, Energy Day (a project of Consumer Energy Alliance), GPA Midstream Association, Houston Association of Professional Landmen, Life Powered (a project of the Texas Public Policy Foundation), Longview Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Midland Chamber of Commerce, Oilfield Energy Center, Panhandle Producers and Royalty Owners Association, Permian Basin Petroleum Association, Permian Basin Road Safety Coalition, Petroleum Equipment and Services Association, Port Corpus Christi, Pure Energy PR, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, San Angelo Regional Manufacturing Alliance, South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable, Texans for Natural Gas, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, Texas Association of Business, Texas Association of Manufacturers, Texas Chemical Council, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, Texas Mutual, Texas Oil & Gas Association, Texas Pipeline Association, Texas Propane Gas Association, Texas Royalty Council, TexSar Search and Rescue, TXOGA Insurance Agency, Inc., West Texas Energy Consortium
Texas Energy Day @ The Capitol Sponsors:
Apache Corp., BP, C&J Energy Services, Centennial Resource Production, Cheniere Energy, Chevron, CITGO, ConocoPhillips, Encana, Energy Transfer, Enterprise Products Partners, EOG Resources, FTI Consulting, Hi-Crush Partners, Life Powered (A Project of the Texas Public Policy Foundation), LoneStar811, Marathon Oil , Marathon Petroleum, Occidental Petroleum, Oilfield Energy Center, Panhandle Producers & Royalty Owners Association, Parsley Energy, PDC Energy, Petroleum Equipment and Services Association, Pioneer Natural Resources, Plains All American Pipeline, Port Corpus Christi, Propell, Shell, SM Energy, Texans for Natural Gas, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, Texas Gulf Terminals, Texas Oil & Gas Association, Texas Pipeline Association, Texas Propane Gas Association, Texas811, Valero Energy, West Texas Energy Consortium, Williams, XTO Energy
Energy Day™ – is a registered trademark of the Consumer Energy Alliance-http://www.energydayfestival.org/
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