Source: Texas Oil & Gas Association
With unmatched production and export capacity, Texas plays a vital role in ensuring energy security at home and abroad.
In a recent op-ed published by the Rio Grande Guardian, Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, described Texas’ critical role in supporting global energy security amid a turbulent geopolitical landscape. As tensions rise across multiple regions, from the Middle East and Eastern Europe to the South China Sea, Staples emphasized that Texas energy serves as a steadying force, offering not just oil and natural gas, but the confidence and reliability that global markets need in uncertain times.
Staples pointed to ongoing conflicts and risks, including renewed military aggression by Russia in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and increasing pressure from China and North Korea. He argued that these converging threats underscore the importance of a dependable energy supply, and Texas stands out as a leading solution. The Lone Star State leads the nation in oil and natural gas production, pipeline and export infrastructure, and refining capacity, positioning it as a linchpin in the global energy system.
Texas has already demonstrated its reliability, particularly in its response to Europe’s energy crisis. About three-quarters of the state’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are currently being delivered to Europe, helping offset the continent’s reduced dependence on Russian gas. Beyond LNG, Texas also supplies vital crude oil, natural gas liquids, and liquefied petroleum gas that power heating, manufacturing, and transportation systems worldwide. Staples argued that Texas energy is not just abundant, but also responsive and agile when markets are stressed.
He stressed that global energy leadership requires more than resources alone. It depends on modern infrastructure, a stable regulatory environment, and the capacity to move quickly when global supply chains are under pressure. Texas, according to Staples, offers all three. Its commitment to transparency and rule of law reinforces trust among international partners, making Texas a cornerstone of energy stability for allies across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Looking ahead, Staples warned that continued leadership will require smart policy choices. He called for streamlined permitting, targeted infrastructure investment, and trade policies that ensure long-term market access for Texas producers. With the U.S. economy still feeling the effects of recent slowdowns, affordable and reliable energy from Texas remains essential to national recovery and global economic health.
In closing, Staples reiterated that Texas has consistently delivered in times of crisis. As the world navigates increasing volatility, he made clear that Texas is prepared to lead—provided it is supported by forward-thinking policies that allow its energy industry to thrive. For partners at home and abroad, the Lone Star State remains a trusted and indispensable energy ally.
