TXOGA Talks

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples is joined by Senator Charles Schwertner, who represents Senate District 5, an eleven-county region of Central and East Texas that includes Bastrop, Brazos, Freestone, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, San Jacinto, Walker, and Williamson counties.Senator Schwertner also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, which is responsible for a wide range of issues that impact businesses and commerce in the state of Texas, including electricity. They discuss the Committee's priorities for the legislative session, which include promoting energy production, preventing wildfires and oilfield theft, and strengthening Texas' electric grid to meet current and future transmission needs.--Texas Senate: Office of Texas Senator Charles Schwertner, District 5Texas Senate: Senate Committee on Business and Commerce

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples sits down with Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D., to examine the key trends shaping global oil market dynamics in the first quarter of 2025. Their conversation explores the sustained strength in oil and natural gas demand amid headwinds from slowing global economic growth, evolving trade policies and tariffs, and seasonal market patterns.--TXOGA: Quarterly Energy Economics Outlook, Q1 2025TXOGA: Energy and Economics Perspective, Q1 2025

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples discusses 2025 Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol, which took place on Tuesday, February 4. Hundreds of Texans, including employees, partners and supporters of the Texas energy industry, convened in Austin for the day, and the event was sponsored by more than 40 companies, organizations and allied trades from across the state to reinforce the importance of the oil and natural gas industry to our state and nation's economic and energy security.As part of the morning program, participants heard from several statewide officials, including GLO Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, RRC Chairman Christi Craddick, TCEQ Chairwoman Brooke Paup, RRC Commissioner Jim Wright and Comptroller Glenn Hegar.Energy Day™ – is a registered trademark of the Consumer Energy Alliance– http://www.energydayfestival.org/--TXOGA: 600+ Texans and 40+ Partner Organizations Gather in Austin for Texas Energy Day @ the Capitol

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples provides an overview of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's recently held 2025 State of the State address. He explains the importance of the Governor's listing of his priorities as emergency items to the legislative process, and highlights key issues for the legislative session, including investments in water, cybersecurity, and education, as well as property relief.--KTBC-TV (FOX-Austin): Gov. Greg Abbott outlines emergency items in annual State of the State addressAmerican Nuclear Society: Abilene Christian University gets permit to build nation's first molten salt university research reactorKBTX-TV (CBS-Bryan): Texas A&M System announces partnership with 4 nuclear reactor companies to build at RELLIS

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples is joined by Texas General Land Office (GLO)Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., for an overview of the responsibilities of the state's oldest agency. Established in 1836 by the newly formed Republic of Texas, the GLO is responsible for managing 13 million acres of state lands; leasing land for oil, mineral, and commercial surface uses to generate revenue for the state, including funding the Permanent School Fund; allocating funding for disaster recovery; funding and overseeing Veterans' programs; protecting the coastline; and preserving, archiving, and celebrating the state's history through the preservation of historic landmarks like The Alamo.--Texas General Land Office: About the GLOTexas General Land Office: The Alamo OverviewTexas Permanent School Fund: Our History

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government andRegulatory Affairs, discuss the upcoming start of the 89th Legislative Session, which takes place onTuesday, January 14. In addition, they highlight Todd's personal experiences as a former member of theTexas House and Senate, as well as what to expect and key priorities for the 140-day session.--Texas Tribune: Texas 2024 General Election ResultsKEYE-TV: What to know ahead of the start of the 89th legislative session

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D., discuss TXOGA's newly released annual Energy & Economic Impact Report, which found that the Texas oil and natural gas industry again shattered records by paying $27.3 billion in state and local taxes and royalties as well as breaking numerous production records. Tune in as they discuss the benefits that oil and natural gas activity have on the state, reasons for the industry's success over the past year and what needs to be done to ensure that Texas remains the energy leader.--TXOGA: 2024 Annual Energy & Economic Impact ReportTXOGA: Economic Insights

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, discuss the Association's annual Lone Star Energy Forum held in November 2024.In addition, they play the video footage of the panel discussion, “Lone Star Leadership: Navigating the 89th Legislative Landscape,” featuring State Senators Bryan Hughes, Charles Perry and César Blanco, moderated by Kari Gibson, Manager of State Government Affairs for the Lower 48 State Region for ConocoPhillips. The panelists provided insights into the upcoming 89th Legislative Session, highlighting their legislative priorities as well as potential legislation to expand water and electricity infrastructure to meet the needs of a rapidly growing Texas.--TXOGA: TXOGA Lone Star Energy Forum Features 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Governor Greg Abbott

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, discuss the Association's annual Lone Star Energy Forum held in November 2024.In addition, they play the video footage of the panel discussion, “A New Administration & Mexico's Energy Industry,” moderated by Antonio Garza, Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, and featuring Carlos Garcia, Senior Vice President of Latin America Commercial Operations at Valero, and Francisco de Rosenzweig, Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of the Economy for Mexico. The panelists provided insights into how the election of President Claudia Sheinbaum will affect the energy sector and working relationships across Mexico, Texas, and the United States.--TXOGA: TXOGA Lone Star Energy Forum Features 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Governor Greg Abbott

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples, Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs Shana Joyce and Chief Economist Dean Foreman discuss how record natural gas production, combined with investments in infrastructure by the Texas oil and natural gas industry and an abundance of natural gas storage, all contribute to the industry's preparations and protocols for winter weather in supporting the state's electric grid.--TXOGA: Oil and Natural Gas Operational Preparations and Record Production, Storage and Pipeline Capacity Keep Texas Winter ReadyTXOGA: Natural Gas FactsTXOGA: Winter ReadyReuters: In January 2024, North Dakota production across the Bakken Shale fell by half, largely due to extreme cold weather.

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by Omar Garcia, Chief External Affairs Officer for the Port of Corpus Christi, for an overview on the important role that ports play in the transport of crude oil and natural gas exports overseas. In addition, they highlight the steps that the Port has taken to improve critical infrastructure to help facilitate energy export growth, allowing for Texas and the U.S. to continue to be the world's global energy leader.--Port of Corpus Christi: The Port has been in operation since 1926 and has become the nation's largest energy export gateway and the third-largest export port for crude oil in the world. The Port boasts a 54-foot-deep channel, three Class I railroads – BNSF, CPKC, and UP – and a location adjacent to connecting Texas highways Interstate 37 and Highway 181. With these assets at their disposal, their mission is and always will be to leverage commerce to drive prosperity for Corpus Christi and the coastal bend.KIII-TV (CBS-Corpus Christi): Port of Corpus Christi's $681M ship channel expansion project nears completionReuters: Cheniere Energy moves closer to starting new Texas LNG export operation

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, discuss the Energy Elevated Technology Showcase held in September. In addition, they play the video footage of the fireside chat between Todd and State Representative Giovanni Capriglione, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies, in which the two highlight the ways that AI is being used to improve outcomes in government, healthcare, and business as well as how to meet the growing energy demand required as part of the technology's continued adoption.--TXOGA: Texas TXOGA Hosts Energy Elevated Technology Showcase in San AntonioWOAI-TV: AI and Data Centers Boost Demand on Texas Power GridOdessa American: Get Ready, Oil Business. Here Comes AI

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by U.S. Oil & Gas Association (USOGA) President Tim Stewart to discuss the recent election. They discuss President Trump's historic comeback to win a second non-consecutive term, factors that drove turnout in swing states, key U.S. House and Senate races that decided control of Congress, and how the election results will affect the oil and gas industry and American consumers heading into the next four years.--Texas Tribune: Texas 2024 General Election ResultsAP: Trump wins the White House in a political comeback rooted in appeals to frustrated votersReuters: Republicans widen Senate majority, on track to win House

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by Dean Foreman, Chief Economist, for a discussion on the need to address growing concerns over insufficient transmission access in the Permian Basin, one of the most important energy-producing regions in the United States.--TXOGA: A Vignette – Oil & Gas Perspective on the Permian Basin Load by TXOGA Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D.TXOGA: TXOGA, PBPA and TAEP Issue Joint Statement Following PUC Approval of Permian BasinReliability PlanPUC: Public Utility Commission Approves Reliability Plan for the Permian Basin RegionPUC: Permian Basin Reliability Plan

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by Representative Brad Buckley (R-Killeen), the Chairman of the House Public Education Committee. Todd and Shana discuss innovative programs and public partnerships by TXOGA member companies to help foster student interest in STEM education. In addition, Chairman Buckley explains Texas' public education system and highlights the work being done by his Committee and the Texas House to establish high quality teaching materials that ensure Texas students have not only what they need to learn, but to succeed in the classroom.--ConocoPhillips: The Applied Math Program (AMP!) aims to improve science and math teaching inHouston-area middle schools by providing intensive professional development for teachers and helping them create engaging learning experiences for their students, which improves student performance by building connections between math and science concepts.Valero: STEM Day by the Bay, held at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, is designed to engage kids and families in STEM activities in a fun, accessible way. Valero's sponsorship of this event is part of their broader commitment to fostering interest in STEM fields from an early age.Sempra: The Innovative Educators Initiative ensures that students, particularly those in underserved areas, have access to high-quality STEM education. By empowering teachers with the resources they need, Sempra is helping to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for students.

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by Representative Brad Buckey (R-Killeen), the Chairman of the House Public Education Committee. Todd and Shana discuss innovative programs and public partnerships by TXOGA member companies to help foster student interest in STEM education. In addition, Chairman Buckley explains Texas' public education system and highlights the work being done by his Committee and the Texas House to establish high quality teaching materials that ensure Texas students have not only what they need to learn, but to succeed in the classroom.--ExxonMobil: The ExxonMobil Foundation has invested $17 million in a collaboration with Khan Academy known as the Open Doors Project.Diamondback Energy: Diamondback Energy mentorship program excels with Midland High's robotics team.

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by Dean Foreman, Chief Economist, for his “Foreman's Four” where he highlights four items about energy and economics that everyone should know. In addition, they discuss the effects of global geopolitics on supply and demand, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and how production has increased despite lower upstream employment numbers and rig counts, due to increased use of AI and process efficiencies.--TXOGA: Economic Insights: TXOGA's economic insights serve as a vital reference for our members as well as those who are interested in understanding data which tell the story of what's happening with the economy as well as oil and gas markets at the Texas, U.S. and global levels.TXOGA: Energy Economic Analysis Highlights Texas Energy Records Through July 2024

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by Jay B Sauceda, a successful entrepreneur, connoisseur of all things Texan, and the recently named host of the legendary show Texas Country Reporter. They discuss the indispensable role of oil and gas in making summer travel possible and highlight fun “can't miss” oil and gas museums in Texas to visit with the family. Also in this episode, Jay B shares stories from his travels chronicling the Lone Star State, including details of the different geographies, cultures, and people he's met along the way.--TXOGA: List of Recommended Museums Across Texas Featuring Oil and Gas to VisitTexas Country Reporter: “Hop in and travel” with the Texas Country Reporter on a road trip to discover the uplifting stories and must-see destinations in the Lone Star State. In weekly episodes, you'll meet oddball collectors, thought-provoking artists, and everyday heroes making the world a better place.

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs are joined by U.S. Oil & Gas Association (USOGA) President Tim Stewart for a discussion on the upcoming fall election. They discuss the balance of power in Washington D.C., key U.S. House and Senate races to decide control of Congress, the state of play in the rematch for President, as well as how the fall elections might impact the oil and gas industry and American consumers.--USOGA: Formed in October 1917, USOGA has been the industry's successful advocate in Washington D.C. and in State Capitols for over 100 years. Cooperating under common by-laws established in 1917, USOGA is located in Washington, D.C. USOGA is dedicated to educating the public, policymakers, and legislators at the federal state and local levels about the value of domestic oil and natural gas exploration and production to enhancing national security and economic vitality.FiveThirtyEight: Do voters want Republicans or Democrats in Congress?FiveThirtyEight: Latest U.S. House PollsFiveThirtyEight: Latest U.S. Senate PollsFiveThirtyEight: Who Is Favored To Win The 2024 Presidential Election?Institute for Energy Research: 200 Ways the Biden Administration and Democrats Have Made it Harder to Produce Oil & Gas

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs are joined by Thomas Gleeson, Chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), for a discussion on the electricity outlook for Texas this summer. In addition, they highlight the respective roles of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and PUC, the role of the Permian Basin Reliability Plan, and steps that Texans can take to do their part in contributing to grid reliability.--PUC: The PUC is the state agency responsible for economic regulation of Texas' electric, telecommunication, and water and wastewater utilities.The PUC oversees the state's competitive utility markets, implementing legislation and enforcing market rules that guarantee reliability and high-quality infrastructure, including oversight of ERCOT which runs the electric grid for 90% of Texas' power needs. Through rate regulation and consumer assistance, the PUC ensures consumers across the state are treated fairly and receive the benefits of competitive markets.ERCOT: ERCOT manages the flow of electric power to 27 million Texas customers – representing about 90 percent of the state's electric load. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 54,100 miles of transmission lines and 1,250 generation units. It also performs financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers retail switching for nearly 8 million premises in competitive choice areas.ERCOT: A Conservation Appeal is an elevated request for Texans to reduce their energy use during peak demand periods when there is a potential to enter emergency operations due to lower reserves. Help from Texans to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, assists grid reliability.ERCOT: A Voluntary Conservation Notice is a call for Texans to voluntarily reduce energy usage during peak demand periods, if safe to do so. On days when electric demand is high, ERCOT can issue a Voluntary Conservation Notice to help decrease demand while deploying available tools to manage the grid reliably.Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS): TXANS is ERCOT's early notification system ahead of periods of higher electricity demand.TXOGA: TXOGA Statement on PUC's Adoption of an Proposed Order to Develop a Electricity Reliability Plan for the Permian Basin

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by Vincent DiCosimo, Senior Vice President at Targa Resources, for an overview of the midstream process, which includes the processing, storing, transporting and marketing of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. In addition, they highlight the steps that pipeline companies take to ensure safety, protect landowner rights, and care for the environment. Also in this episode, TXOGA Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D, presents his “Foreman's Four” where he highlights four items about energy and economics that everyone should know.--TXOGA: TXOGA Talks, Episode 3: The Four P'sTXOGA: Natural Gas InfrastructureTXOGA: Landowner Handbook – Pipelines 101U.S. Energy Information Administration: Texas Natural Gas Pipeline and Distribution UseTarga Resources: Targa operates midstream infrastructure assets that efficiently supply natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) to domestic and international markets to meet the increasing demand for cleaner, affordable fuel and feedstocks.Texas 811: Call before you dig! Homeowners should contact 811 when: Building or repairing a fence, planting a tree, installing a sprinkler system or any chore or maintenance that requires digging.

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, are joined by Texas House Chairman Todd Hunter for a conversation about one of the state's most important regions: The Coastal Bend. Together, they discuss the importance of the region to the oil and natural gas industry, diving deep into the role of refineries and ports in processing and exporting affordable reliable energy across the nation and to the world to meet growing energy demand. In addition, they discuss the role of LNG in helping to foster economic development and growth.Also in this episode, TXOGA Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D, presents his “Foreman's Four” where he highlights four items about energy and economics that everyone should know.--TXOGA: TXOGA Talks, Episode 3: The Four P'sPort of Corpus Christi: Port of Corpus Christi Customers Moved Record Tonnage Through Waterway in 2023, Surpassing 200M Tons For First TimeTXOGA: TXOGA Statement on the Biden Administration's Decision to Pause Approvals of LNG Export PermitsTXOGA: LNG Exports Have Had No Impact on Domestic Energy Costs, TXOGA Economic Analysis FindsTXOGA: TXOGA Talks, Episode 6: LNG Export Permit Approval PauseTexas Comptroller: House Bill 5: Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation Act (JETI) 

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs are joined by Diamondback Energy Senior Vice President of Completions Hunter Landers and Vice President of Production Nathan Luoma for an overview of the upstream process, also known as exploration and production, through which oil and natural gas is found and extracted from the ground. Also in this episode, this discussion highlights the use of fracking in oil and natural gas extraction, as well as the processes in place to ensure safety and groundwater protection.--TXOGA: LNG Exports Have Had No Impact on Domestic Energy Costs, TXOGA Economic Analysis FindsTXOGA: TXOGA Talks, Episode 3: The Four P'sDiamondback Energy: Overview of Diamondback OperationsTexans for Natural Gas: Fracking 101Texas Monthly: George Mitchell was a Texas A&M graduate who was known as the “pioneer of shale”. Mitchell is credited with pioneering the economic extraction of shale gas using the fracking technique.Railroad Commission of Texas: Hydraulic fracturing has been an environmentally safe process for more than 60 years in Texas. The Railroad Commission has a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure usable quality groundwater is protected. Commission records do not indicate a single documented groundwater contamination case associated with the process of hydraulic fracturing in Texas.Railroad Commission of Texas: Information and Statistics on the Permian BasinEnergy Information Administration: Drilling Productivity Report: Petroleum & Other Liquids

In this episode, TXOGA Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs Shana Joyce and Chief Economist Dr. Dean Foreman discuss the Biden Administration's recent decision to pause approvals of liquified natural gas (LNG) export permits and what it means for Texas—the nation's top producer of natural gas and a major exporter of LNG—as well as our nation and the world at large.Also in this episode, TXOGA Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D., presents his “Foreman's Four” where he highlights four items about energy and economics that everyone should know.--TXOGA: TXOGA Statement on the Biden Administration's Decision to Pause Approvals of LNG Export PermitsTXOGA: LNG Exports Have Had No Impact on Domestic Energy Costs, TXOGA Economic Analysis FindsU.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce: Myth vs. Fact: Biden's LNG Export BanAmerican Petroleum Institute: New Ipsos Poll: 2 in 3 Voters View America on Wrong Track on Energy

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples, Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs Shana Joyce and Chief Economist Dr. Dean Foreman discuss industry's preparations and protocols for winter weather, plus the importance of natural gas in supporting the state's electric grid and an overview of how natural gas markets work.--TXOGA: Natural Gas FactsTXOGA: Winter ReadyTXOGA: A post Winter Storm Heather analysis by TXOGA found the state's electric grid was largely supported by natural gas. Together, all thermal sources including natural gas accounted for nearly 95% of electricity on the grid during the peak demand period, with weather-dependent sources providing 3% and battery storage 1%.Reuters: In January 2024, North Dakota production across the Bakken Shale fell by half, largely due to extreme cold weather.

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, highlight the start of early voting for the March 2024 Primary Election and how to participate in the political process. In addition, they discuss election trends, the political landscape, and why it's important to vote and support pro-energy candidates and policies.Also in this episode, TXOGA Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D, presents his “Foreman's Four” where he highlights four items about energy and economics that everyone should know.--TXOGA: Texas Election Trends (2008-2023)TXOGA: Important 2024 Election DatesTXOGA PAC: TXOGA PACVoteTexas.gov: VoteTexas.govWho Represents Me: Who Represents Me

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, discuss how production, pipelines, processing, and ports—what TXOGA calls “The Four P's” of the oil and natural gas industry—work together to make Texas the Energy Capital of the World.--The Texan: If Texas were its own country, it would rank fourth in crude oil production, right behind Saudi Arabia and ahead of Canada.TXOGA: Landowners Handbook: Pipelines 101Texas Economic Development Corporation: Texas is home to 31% of the nation's refining capacity.Bullock Museum: Texas Oil and Gas ExhibitReuters: In 2023, the United States leapfrogged Qatar and Australia to become the world's leading exporter of liquified natural gas (LNG).Texas Monthly: George Mitchell was a Texas A&M graduate who was known as the “pioneer of shale”. Mitchell is credited with pioneering the economic extraction of shale gas using the fracking technique.

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, discuss TXOGA's newly released annual Energy & Economic Impact Report, which found that the Texas oil and natural gas industry rewrote the record book in 2023 by paying $26.3 billion in state and local taxes and royalties as well as breaking numerous production records. Tune in as they discuss the benefits that oil and natural gas activity have on the state, reasons for the industry's success over the past year and what needs to be done to ensure that Texas remains the energy leader.Also in this episode, TXOGA Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D, presents his “Foreman's Four” where he highlights four items about energy and economics that everyone should know.TXOGA: 2023 Annual Energy & Economic Impact ReportTXOGA: Economic InsightsTexas Methane & Flaring Coalition: Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition

In this episode, TXOGA President Todd Staples and Shana Joyce, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, introduce the new TXOGA Talks podcast, whose aim is to engage in balanced discussions on energy and energy policy—and why these discussions are essential to Texans. Tune in as they discuss the essential role of oil and natural gas in powering our modern lives and its potential to lift millions out of poverty by meeting energy needs and providing energy security.Stanford University: Estimated cost of approximately $62 trillion to transition from existing energy sources to solely renewable sources.

TXOGA Talks: Where Energy Meets Insight. Listen to each episode for a candid conversation about our energy needs, our energy future and how oil and natural gas is powering the world. Coming early 2024.