March 8, 2022

The following can be attributed to Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association:

“This crisis should be a wakeup call that we need strategic American energy policy that treats oil and natural gas as an asset and not a liability. The suffering of consumers at the pump underscores the importance of domestic energy production, and American consumers are feeling the repercussions of cancelled pipeline projects, delayed approvals for permits and the discouragement of additional expansion, poor decisions all exacerbated by the war. The administration calling on foreign countries to increase production a few months ago, rather than encouraging local jobs and local investment, had a chilling effect on expansion. This tragic event should help reset American priorities and recognize that American oil and natural are produced in more environmentally responsible ways than in any other country in the world. Our companies have strong commitments to address concerns about our climate, while providing the oil and natural gas that fuels modern life and keeps nations secure.”