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.
The topic is significant as the oil and gas sector is a major contributor to both state revenue and national energy independence, supporting infrastructure, education, and security efforts across Texas.
Abbott said, “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. 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.”
The Governor was joined by several officials including Railroad Commission Chairman Jim Wright, Representative Briscoe Cain, Representative Charles Cunningham, TIPRO Chairman Grant Johnson, along with other leaders from state government and business sectors.
During his speech Abbott pointed out that nearly one-fourth of all domestically produced U.S. energy comes from Texas. He also outlined legislative measures taken during the 89th session aimed at combating oil theft—such as increased criminal penalties for petroleum product theft—and mentioned new initiatives like a Theft Prevention Unit at the Department of Public Safety as well as expanded authority for law enforcement agencies.
According to the official website, Abbott’s office contributed to leading national job growth while maintaining its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building. The site also reports that Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024; since his election in 2014 he has led statewide services focused on job creation, economic opportunity expansion, educational improvements, protection of individual liberties—including parental empowerment—and southern border security.
Abbott thanked workers in oil and gas for providing reliable power across daily life needs in Texas. Additional photos from this event are expected when available.
