Energy Workforce presents Texas governor with 2023 Champion of the Oilfield award
(WO) – The Energy Workforce & Technology Council presented Texas Governor Greg Abbott with the 2023 Champion of the Oilfield Award at its Annual Meeting held this week in Austin. This award recognizes outstanding and personal dedication to supporting the energy technology and services sector.
“Governor Abbott is a vocal champion for the energy industry, recognizing its significant contribution to the surging Texas economy and continued jobs growth,” said Leslie Beyer, CEO, Energy Workforce & Technology Council. “Texas is a global leader in energy production, providing a reliable and abundant source of oil and gas to meet growing global demand. The energy services sector is also in the forefront of developing and deploying new energy technologies that are lowering emissions across the industry while continuing to power the world.”
Texas is the top crude oil- and natural gas-producing state in the nation. In 2021, Texas accounted for 43% of the nation's crude oil production and 25% of its marketed natural gas production. If Texas were a country, it would be the fourth largest oil-producing country in the world.
"I know everyone in this room is proud that Texas is the energy capital of the world," said Governor Abbott. "Ever since Spindletop first blew, Texas has been supplying the world with the energy they need to fuel their cars, power their homes, and energize the innovation that changes the world. The hardworking men and women of the Texas energy industry and the people in this room today are the very lifeblood of our economy.
“As the legislature meets in Austin this session, we are ensuring Texas continues to defend this critical industry and protect the hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs it creates for Texans. Thank you to the Energy Workforce & Technology Council for this prestigious award. As long as I am your Governor, you will always have a champion in the oilfield."
The oil and gas industry is also the leading economic driver of Texas’ booming economy. The industry in Texas supports 443,000 jobs and in 2022, the industry paid $24.7 billion in taxes and state royalties, helping support public schools, universities, roads and first responders across the state.
