Governor Greg Abbott delivered remarks on Mar. 31 emphasizing the importance of the oil and gas industry to Texas’s economy during the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) 80th Annual Convention.
Abbott said that the oil and gas sector is essential for both state and national security, economic growth, education funding, infrastructure development, border security efforts, and powering daily life in Texas. “The world has recognized the critical role Texas, and Texas oil and gas, plays in global security, thanks to the work you do to make both Texas and America energy independent,” Abbott said. “Your industry helps build the schools that educate our children and the roads Texans rely on every day. You help fund efforts to secure our border, and you provide the most essential power source for our electric grid. Quite simply, Texas would not be able to achieve what it does without the contributions of the oil and gas sector. On this important anniversary, I want to thank everyone in the Texas oil and gas industry for helping make Texas the number one state.”
Abbott was joined by officials including Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Jim Wright as well as Representatives Briscoe Cain and Charles Cunningham. He noted that nearly a quarter of domestically produced U.S. energy comes from Texas. The governor also described recent legislative actions taken during the 89th session aimed at reducing oil theft through increased criminal penalties for petroleum product thefts, launching a Theft Prevention Unit at the Department of Public Safety, giving local law enforcement new authority over stolen products, and creating inspection programs for tankers.
According to the official website, Abbott’s office has contributed to job growth across Texas with record employment levels since his election in 2014; it maintains its main offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building; he was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024; his administration has focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement initiatives including parental empowerment in schooling decisions; protection of individual liberties; southern border security; statewide service delivery; as well as exercising executive authority throughout all regions of Texas.
The event underscored ongoing support from state leadership for an industry central to jobs creation—an area where Texas continues leading nationally. Additional photos from TIPRO’s annual convention are expected when available.
