Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the importance of the oil and gas industry in Texas during remarks at the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) 80th Annual Convention on Mar. 31. Abbott said the sector is central to both state and national economic strength, as well as global security.
The event highlighted why energy production remains a key part of Texas’s economic landscape. The governor 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.” He also stated that the industry helps fund education, infrastructure, border security efforts, and provides essential power for Texans. “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 said.
Abbott was joined by officials including Railroad Commission Chairman Jim Wright; Representatives Briscoe Cain and Charles Cunningham; TIPRO Chairman Grant Johnson; as well as other business leaders. During his speech, he noted that nearly one-fourth of domestically produced U.S. energy comes from Texas.
He outlined legislative measures from the recent session aimed at curbing theft in petroleum products—these include increased criminal penalties for thefts involving petroleum-based goods. Other initiatives mentioned were launching a Theft Prevention Unit within the Department of Public Safety, authorizing local law enforcement to confiscate stolen petroleum products, and starting a program inspecting tankers for possible theft.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office contributed to leading job growth nationwide while maintaining its main offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building. The same source reports that since his election in 2014, Abbott has led statewide services focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, individual liberties protection—including parental empowerment—and southern border security.
Abbott was recently listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to his office. As photos from this TIPRO event become available they will be provided by organizers.
