State of Texas Archives: on Energy & Oil
Allen West:
Opposes Green New Deal; protect petrochemical industry
On issues, West in the video vowed to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, "to ensure that Texas is for Texans." He also promised to oppose the "Green New Deal" and protect
Texas' petrochemical industry from possible harm by the federal government. "That means we stay energy-independent and we fuel America," he said.
Source: Dallas Morning News on 2022 Texas Gubernatorial race
Jul 4, 2021
Andrew White:
Believes in climate change and will act to address it
The risk of climate change is clear, and the risk warrants action. Increasing carbon emissions in the atmosphere are having a warming effect. There is broad scientific and policy consensus that action must be taken to further
quantify and assess the risks. Don't believe me on this. Believe ExxonMobil. The text above comes right from their website.I'll enforce existing pollution laws. I'll support Texas' leadership in drilling technology.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website AndrewWhite.com
Feb 22, 2018
Beto O`Rourke:
Incentivize renewable energy
Steps we can take to promote energy and environmental reforms include
enacting comprehensive energy reform that optimizes the uses of current energy sources while incentivizing the innovation of new and renewable sources of energy.
Source: 2018 Texas Senate campaign website BetoForTexas.com
Jan 1, 2018
Beto O`Rourke:
Unprecedented action to build clean energy economy
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?Ted Cruz (R): No. Doesn't believe it's real. Says data disproving it is being ignored as liberals want government power over economy, energy sector & all aspects of our lives.
Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. "Crucial now more than ever that US & world leaders act urgently to address" it. Climate change increases droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, & other disasters.
Q: Climate Change: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?
Support US participation in Paris Climate Accord despite President Trump's withdrawal?
Ted Cruz (R): Opposes regulating greenhouse gases. Paris Accord "would have destroyed $3 trillion in American GDP & killed
6.5 million industrial sector jobs by 2040."
Beto O'Rourke (D): Limit greenhouse gases. "Need to take unprecedented action" in building clean energy economy. Opposes withdrawing from Paris Accord.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Chad Prather:
I oppose efforts to classify carbon dioxide as a pollutant
Energy: The power grid in Texas will continue to be an issue until something REAL is done about it:- I oppose all efforts to classify carbon dioxide as a pollutant.
- I oppose environmentalism that obstructs legitimate business interests and
private property use
- I support free-market solutions and immediate removal of government barriers and direct subsidies to the production, reformulation, refining, and distribution of energy
Source: 2021 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website Prather2022.com
Jun 1, 2021
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Rejoin Paris Climate Accord
Texas has long been a global hub for energy, and Cristina believes that Texas can continue to lead as we transition to a clean energy future that protects our climate.
She supports reentering the Paris Climate Accord because climate change is a global threat that requires us to work together with our international partners.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
David Alameel:
Energy independence is a national security priority
- Maintain our military superiority that is second to none.
- Support strong national security policies.
- Support policies that enhances the lives of our troops and their families.
- Make education a national security priority to
restore our economic innovation and industrial competitive edge.
- Make energy independence a national security priority as well as an economic necessity.
- Support Israel and maintain our historically deep friendship and alliance.
Source: 2010 Texas House campaign website, AlameelForCongress.com
Nov 1, 2010
Don Huffines:
Ban local regulation of oil and gas operations
Texas regulators are one step closer to preempting nearly all local oil and gas regulation in the state. The controversial bill gives the Texas Railroad Commission authority to preempt city laws when it comes to subsurface oil and gas operations,
including hydraulic fracking. It was filed in reaction to the Denton frack ban, approved by voters in that city. If adopted, the bill would ban any ordinance that prohibits an oil and gas operation.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 26-5 on May/4/15; State Sen. Huffines voted YES; passed House 125-20-1 on Apr/20/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott May/18/15.
A YES vote supports fracking despite local opposition; a NO vote allows municipal regulations on fracking.
Source: Dallas Business Journal:Texas legislative voting record HB40
May 4, 2015
Emily Sanchez:
Supports prioritizing green energy
Q: Do you support or oppose prioritizing green energy?
A: Support.
Source: E-mail interview on Texas 2014 Senate race with OnTheIssues
Sep 19, 2014
Emily Sanchez:
Fracking is running rampant & endangers our air & water
In Texas, "Fracking" appears to be running rampant, polluting the quality of the air we breath, endangering our water supply and destroying the South Texas landscape and its habitat. No Texas city is safe from being turned into a dust city.
I live in Del Rio, Texas and my biggest fear is in wondering how long it will take to reach this quaint city with its bountiful water springs.
We should strive to fight against this toxic enterprise.
Source: 2014 Texas Senate campaign website on Facebook.com
Sep 18, 2014
Greg Abbott:
Clean Power Plan is an EPA power grab
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement following the State of Texas' lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "Clean Power Plan":"The EPA's latest power grab--disguised as a "Clean Power Plan'--takes already burdensome
federal regulations a step further by driving up energy costs, stagnating job growth, threatening the reliability of our electric grid and treading all over the State of Texas' sovereignty," said Governor
Abbott. "With seemingly no concept of what it costs to support a family, start a business or save for retirement, the federal government has yet again proven its readiness to sacrifice American jobs in the name of
expanding bureaucratic authority and pushing its liberal agenda. I applaud the Attorney General's challenge to the Clean Power Plan and offer my full support for all efforts to fight federal government overreach."
Source: 2018 Texas Governor campaign press release
Oct 23, 2015
Greg Abbott:
Ban local regulation of oil and gas operations
Texas regulators are one step closer to preempting nearly all local oil and gas regulation in the state. The controversial bill gives the Texas Railroad Commission authority to preempt city laws when it comes to subsurface oil and gas operations,
including hydraulic fracking. It was filed in reaction to the Denton frack ban, approved by voters in that city. If adopted, the bill would ban any ordinance that prohibits an oil and gas operation.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 26-5 on May/4/15; passed House 125-20-1 on Apr/20/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott May/18/15.
A YES vote supports fracking despite local opposition; a NO vote allows municipal regulations on fracking.
Source: Dallas Business Journal:Texas legislative voting record HB40
May 18, 2015
Joaquin Castro:
Supports alternative fuel plus traditional sources
Castro indicates support of the following principles regarding energy.- Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
- Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil).
-
Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
- Increase funding for improvements to TX power generating and transmission facilities.
- Support funding for open space preservation.
Source: Texas 2006 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2006
Jodey Arrington:
Repeal the 1970s Oil Export Ban
The American Oil Export Ban Prevents Texas Crude from Being Sold Overseas:
I'll work to repeal this 1970s-era law because American energy independence means lower costs for our nation, more jobs at home, and more security for our allies against hostile regimes.
Source: 2016 Texas House campaign website JodeyArrington.com
Nov 8, 2016
Jon Roland:
Alternative non-carbon, non-nuclear energy sources
Roland supports the following principles regarding Environment and Energy
Issues: "Support alternative non carbon, non nuclear energy sources, especially solar power satellites."
Source: Texas Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
May 2, 2008
Lupe Valdez:
Supporter of clean energy options in wind and solar
Valdez: Supports climate-change science, wants to expand Texas' clean-energy options in wind and solar.
[Opponent Andrew] White: Supports climate-change science, wants to shift Texas' economy to more clean-energy options such as wind and solar.
Source: Houston Chronicle on 2018 Texas Gubernatorial race
May 18, 2018
Marco Rubio:
Let ethanol program expire
Ethanol will phase out, it is phasing out now. By 2022 that program expires by virtue of the existing law, and at that point it will go away.
I don't agree with the mandate and the program that's in place, but I think it's unfair that these people have gone out and invested all this money into this program and we're just going to yank it away from them.
Source: 2016 CNN-Telemundo Republican debate on eve of Texas primary
Feb 25, 2016
MJ Hegar:
Texas can lead country on wind and solar energy
As the mother of two little boys, climate change is one of the top reasons I decided to run for Senate. We cannot wait any longer to take action. We must set aggressive goals for the expansion of clean, renewable energy, and invest in clean energy
manufacturing and sustainable transportation. Texas has the opportunity to be America's leader in wind and solar energy, and we should use our natural, renewable resources to create jobs here in our state.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website MJforTexas.com
Jan 20, 2020
MJ Hegar:
Make sure carbon tax don't increase food costs
Following her recent Tribune appearance, several audience members old enough to be grandparents approached her to discuss climate change.
Though Hegar said she favors "aggressive action," she declined to bless a carbon tax measure, saying she wanted to make sure it doesn't increase the cost of food for the middle class.
Source: The Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senate race
Dec 16, 2019
MJ Hegar:
Set aggressive goals for expanding clean, renewable energy
As the mother of two little boys, climate change is my number one issue. Climate change is the greatest threat to the health and safety of our communities, the world we are leaving for the next generation, and our national security. We must set
aggressive goals for the expansion of clean, renewable energy, and invest in clean energy manufacturing, sustainable transportation, and modernizing our energy grid. We should use our natural, renewable resources to create jobs here in our state.
Source: The Yale Politic e-zine on 2020 Texas Senate race
Apr 2, 2020
MJ Hegar:
Fracking not long-term solution, but against ban
It is imperative to the health and safety of our communities that we reinstate many of the environmental protections that were critical to making sure local families and communities do not experience harmful impacts from fracking-related pollution.
As we move toward a renewable energy economy, fracking of natural gas, while not a long-term solution, can serve as a bridge to help us get there.
Source: The Texas Tribune on 2020 Texas Senate race
Feb 12, 2020
Royce West:
Reengage in Paris Climate Accords
The window to address climate change is getting smaller and smaller. This is something that America must address now, and our first step is reengaging in the Paris Climate Accords. We have to end our dependence on fossil fuels and utilize renewable
energy. As a nation, we are not investing nearly enough in clean energy solutions. We have the technology to invigorate the solar and wind industries, which would create thousands of jobs across the country and aid our environment.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Allow local regulation of oil and gas operations
Texas regulators are one step closer to preempting nearly all local oil and gas regulation in the state. The controversial bill gives the Texas Railroad Commission authority to preempt city laws when it comes to subsurface oil and gas operations,
including hydraulic fracking. It was filed in reaction to the Denton frack ban, approved by voters in that city. If adopted, the bill would ban any ordinance that prohibits an oil and gas operation.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 26-5 on May/4/15; Sen. West voted NO; passed House 125-20-1 on Apr/20/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott May/18/15.
A YES vote supports fracking despite local opposition; a NO vote allows municipal regulations on fracking.
Source: Dallas Business Journal:Texas legislative voting record HB40
May 4, 2015
Sema Hernandez:
Green New Deal ends environmental racism
I support a Green New Deal program that will provide training and education to all current and future energy workers, to help transition to green energy technologies. The program will provide funding for community and regionally-owned energy production
and grids, independent of privately-run monopolies, to ensure that communities control their energy and the prices they pay. A Green New Deal means an end to environmental racism and a healthier environment for everyone.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Sylvia Garcia:
Ban local regulation of oil and gas operations
Texas regulators are one step closer to preempting nearly all local oil and gas regulation in the state. The controversial bill gives the Texas Railroad Commission authority to preempt city laws when it comes to subsurface oil and gas operations,
including hydraulic fracking. It was filed in reaction to the Denton frack ban, approved by voters in that city. If adopted, the bill would ban any ordinance that prohibits an oil and gas operation.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 26-5 on May/4/15; Sen. Garcia voted YES; passed House 125-20-1 on Apr/20/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott May/18/15.
A YES vote supports fracking despite local opposition; a NO vote allows municipal regulations on fracking.
Source: Dallas Business Journal:Texas legislative voting record HB40
May 4, 2015
Ted Cruz:
Paris Accord destroys $3 trillion in American GDP by 2040
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?Ted Cruz (R): No. Doesn't believe it's real. Says data disproving it is being ignored as liberals want government power over economy, energy sector & all aspects of our lives.
Beto O'Rourke (D): Yes. "Crucial now more than ever that US & world leaders act urgently to address" it. Climate change increases droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, & other disasters.
Q: Climate Change: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?
Support US participation in Paris Climate Accord despite President Trump's withdrawal?
Ted Cruz (R): Opposes regulating greenhouse gases. Paris Accord "would have destroyed $3 trillion in American GDP & killed
6.5 million industrial sector jobs by 2040."
Beto O'Rourke (D): Limit greenhouse gases. "Need to take unprecedented action" in building clean energy economy. Opposes withdrawing from Paris Accord.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Texas Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Van Taylor:
Ban local regulation of oil and gas operations
Texas regulators are one step closer to preempting nearly all local oil and gas regulation in the state. The controversial bill gives the Texas Railroad Commission authority to preempt city laws when it comes to subsurface oil and gas operations,
including hydraulic fracking. It was filed in reaction to the Denton frack ban, approved by voters in that city. If adopted, the bill would ban any ordinance that prohibits an oil and gas operation.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 26-5 on May/4/15; Sen. Taylor voted YES; passed House 125-20-1 on Apr/20/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott May/18/15.
A YES vote supports fracking despite local opposition; a NO vote allows municipal regulations on fracking.
Source: Dallas Business Journal:Texas legislative voting record HB40
May 4, 2015
Greg Abbott:
Build a power grid strong enough for the next century
We passed 14 bipartisan laws that strengthened the power grid. Since then, no Texan has lost power because of the state grid. But we all know that increased demand will be placed on the grid as Texas continues to grow.
So, we will build a grid strong enough to power Texas for the next century. In fact, in just the last month, multiple electric generation projects have been announced, adding reliable power to our grid.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 16, 2023
Colin Allred:
Be aggressive on carbon recapture, but tell people the truth
We can find important reductions and we need to work on the technology that is starting to come online of carbon recapture to try and find ways to be really aggressive about this. But it has to be done in a way that's realistic. We have to tell people
the truth, which is that it's not like we're going to move away from oil and gas in the next five years, the next ten years. It's going to be a part of our mixture of energy that we're going to continue to have.
Source: KERA News on 2024 Texas Senate race
Jun 13, 2023
Colin Allred:
Incentives instead of punishment to lower carbon emissions
Allred has pushed his colleagues not to take too punitive an approach on fossil fuels as a way to lower carbon emissions. Instead, he favors financial incentives to grow renewable energy. He also supports permitting reform to streamline environmental
reviews for clean energy & fossil fuel projects, saying both are critical."We have to recognize that we're going to continue to be an energy state, but that energy mix is already incredibly diverse," Allred said. "But also, I am very concerned about
the climate, and about what's happening, and I think we have to be better stewards of the planet."
Allred proposed additional federal investment in technology to capture carbon before it's released into the atmosphere--a proposal popular both within
the fossil fuel industry and with industry-minded climate activists.
[Opponent Roland] Gutierrez has a similar view. He said he wants Texas to become a leader in renewable energy, but he also wants to ensure oil field workers are not left behind.
Source: Texas Tribune on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 9, 2023
Roland Gutierrez:
Motivate oil companies to invest in renewable resources
[Opponent Colin] Allred has pushed his colleagues not to take too punitive an approach on fossil fuels as a way to lower carbon emissions. Instead, he favors financial incentives to grow renewable energy. Allred proposed additional federal
investment in technology to capture carbon before it's released into the atmosphere.Gutierrez has a similar view. He said he wants Texas to become a leader in renewable energy, but he also wants to ensure oil field workers are not left behind.
They should be transitioned to jobs in renewable energy that pay at least as much, he said. "I'm not one of those guys who says we're going to throw out the baby with the bathwater in Texas,"
Gutierrez said. Gutierrez said he supports using tax credits to motivate oil companies to invest in renewable resources. He also said he has supported a carbon tax, or a tax on fossil-fuel emissions.
Source: Texas Tribune on 2024 Texas Senate race
Aug 9, 2023
Roland Gutierrez:
Ban local regulation of oil and gas operations
Texas regulators are one step closer to preempting nearly all local oil and gas regulation in the state. The controversial bill gives the Texas Railroad Commission authority to preempt city laws when it comes to subsurface oil and gas operations,
including hydraulic fracking. It was filed in reaction to the Denton frack ban, approved by voters in that city. If adopted, the bill would ban any ordinance that prohibits an oil and gas operation.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 26-5 on May/4/15; passed House 125-20-1 on Apr/20/15; State Rep. Roland Gutierrez voted YES; signed by Governor Greg Abbott May/18/15.
A YES vote supports fracking despite local opposition; a NO vote allows municipal regulations on fracking.
Source: Dallas Business Journal:Texas legislative voting record HB40
Apr 20, 2015
Craig Goldman:
Ban local regulation of oil and gas operations
Texas regulators are one step closer to preempting nearly all local oil and gas regulation in the state. The controversial bill gives the Texas Railroad Commission authority to preempt city laws when it comes to subsurface oil and gas operations,
including hydraulic fracking. It was filed in reaction to the Denton frack ban, approved by voters in that city. If adopted, the bill would ban any ordinance that prohibits an oil and gas operation.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 26-5 on May/4/15; Rep. Craig Goldman voted YES; passed House 125-20-1 on Apr/20/15; signed by Governor Greg Abbott May/18/15.
A YES vote supports fracking despite local opposition; a NO vote allows municipal regulations on fracking.
Source: Dallas Business Journal:Texas legislative voting record HB40
May 4, 2015
Sylvester Turner:
Allow local regulation of oil and gas operations
Texas regulators are one step closer to preempting nearly all local oil and gas regulation in the state. The controversial bill gives the Texas Railroad Commission authority to preempt city laws when it comes to subsurface oil and gas operations,
including hydraulic fracking. It was filed in reaction to the Denton frack ban, approved by voters in that city. If adopted, the bill would ban any ordinance that prohibits an oil and gas operation.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 26-5 on May/4/15; passed House 125-20-1 on Apr/20/15; State Rep. Sylvester Turner voted NO; signed by Governor Greg Abbott May/18/15.
A YES vote supports fracking despite local opposition; a NO vote allows municipal regulations on fracking.
Source: Dallas Business Journal:Texas legislative voting record HB40
Apr 20, 2015
Ken Paxton:
Sues over destructive, politicized environmental agenda
The federal antitrust lawsuit accuses the three largest US index fund managers of using their holdings in the coal producers to constrict supplies and drive up prices in pursuit of net zero carbon emissions goals. "Texas
will not tolerate the illegal weaponisation of the financial industry in service of a destructive, politicised environmental agenda," said state attorney-general Ken Paxton.
Source: Financial Times, "BlackRock," on 2026 Texas Senate race
Nov 27, 2024
Wesley Hunt:
We should be drilling more for more oil and gas, not less
Unleashing American Energy: As the Energy Congressman of the World, I fully understand the importance of Oil and Gas in America's future.
Our leaders should be focused on energy addition, not energy transition. The United States produces the cleanest and safest oil and gas found anywhere in the world and we should be drilling more of it, not less.
Source: 2026 Texas Senate campaign website WesleyForTexas.com
Nov 2, 2025
Wesley Hunt:
Onerous, burdensome regulations killing oil and gas industry
[On energy regulation]: " "It's been an absolute disaster," Hunt told The Post. "Sitting on the Natural Resources Committee, I've learned that these [Democrats & Pres. Biden] are committed to killing the oil and gas industry and basically strengthening
our adversaries and strengthening our enemies abroad.""That's just what I've seen by killing our [liquified-natural-gas] production, limiting pipelines. The onerous and burdensome regulations that we have seen on refining and everything," said Hunt.
Source: New York Post, "Drill, baby", on 2026 Texas Senate race
Nov 18, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026