Houston Chronicle by Christi Craddick Jan. 22, 2021
As President Joe Biden takes office, White House staff change out photographs in hallways, newly appointed Cabinet members familiarize themselves with briefing materials, and new stationary memorializing the arrival of the 46th president of the United States is printed. Change is everywhere in Washington.
In stark contrast, Americans across nation are plagued with the same challenges that they faced yesterday. A global pandemic that has claimed over 402,000 American lives continues to wreak havoc with no end in sight. In its wreckage, families struggle to make ends meet in an economy that flounders under the weight of international and domestic factors including political turmoil, foreign price wars and supply chain deficiencies. Unemployment rates have stagnated at a staggering 6.7 percent.
While the name might be confusing, the Railroad Commission of Texas regulates the oil and gas industry in the single largest oil producing state in our nation. Alongside surface mining, pipeline safety and alternative fuels, this agency seeks to responsibly produce our state’s abundant resources for the benefit of all Texans with sensible and practical regulation. As chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas, I am proud of the significant economic impact this industry provides to our state and the nation. Producing over 41 percent of the nation’s oil, Texas energy producers leave a massive footprint on our economy. Last year, according to the Texas Oil and Gas Association, the industry paid $13.9 billion in state and local taxes and state royalty payments. Over 400,000 Texans were directly employed by oil and natural gas companies last year, with average incomes that more than double the national average. Indirectly, each oil and natural gas job creates an additional 2.4 jobs in Texas. All in, the oil and natural gas industry was responsible for employing nearly 1 million Texans last year alone. These companies help provide some of the most affordable energy prices to families across the state at 8.6 cents/kWh compared to the national average of 10.54 cents/kWh. Tax revenues and refined products keep our roads paved, teachers employed and hospitals supplied.
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