Bringing Washington, D.C. to the Permian Basin
We had a fantastic week in the Permian Basin. It was an incredible honor to host the two powerful committees charged with overseeing our nation's energy supply—the Energy & Commerce Committee and the Natural Resources Committee—in Midland and Odessa for field hearings.
These hearings provided Members of Congress from all over the country the opportunity to learn from our local leaders, business owners, and industry experts. Our region is the energy capital of the world, and I cannot overstate the significance of having twenty Members of Congress—both Democrats and Republicans—in our community and learning from the people who work in the industry every single day.
The House Energy & Commerce Committee hearing, led by Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Duncan, was held at the Bush Convention Center in Midland and focused on how American energy expansion improves local economies and communities’ way of life.
We heard from Lori Blong, the Mayor of Midland and President of Octane Energy, Adrian Carrasco, the Chairman of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and President of Premier Energy Services, and Steve Pruett, the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and President and CEO of Elevation Resources.
The House Committee on Natural Resources Hearing, led by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), was held at the University of Texas Permian Basin and focused on permitting reform and how onshore energy leasing revenues benefit communities.
We were lucky to have Tracee Bentley, the President and CEO of the Permian Strategic Partnership speaking on behalf of our community.
The Permian Basin is where our nation’s energy debates should take place.
Thankfully, this region is poised to solve many of the critical issues facing our nation and our world. If you listen to the White House, oil-producing regions are greedy and unpatriotic, but nothing could be further from the truth.
The story of the Permian Basin is one of innovation, unending entrepreneurial spirit, and community.
You cannot understand US energy dominance without visiting the Permian Basin or visiting with local leaders.
I am excited that these two committees had the opportunity to hear from our excellent witnesses and discuss how current policies are affecting their operations. It is time for Congress to follow the Permian Basin’s lead and rise to the occasion.
