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

Chad Prather: I oppose efforts to classify carbon dioxide as a pollutant

Source: 2021 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website Prather2022.com Jun 1, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Dewhurst: Open the Gulf; more hydro-fracking; less "green" energy

End the Wasteful Obama Green Energy Gravy TrainDewhurst Plan: Develop America's Massive Domestic Energy Resources
Source: 2012 Senate Campaign website, dewhurstfortexas.com, "Issues" Mar 25, 2012

Elizabeth Ames Jones: America needs America's energy

I support policies that will put America on a path to true energy security and acknowledge the reality that we will continue to need a diverse mix of resources, including hydrocarbons, to fuel our economy.

I support the responsible development of America's energy resources including opening new areas for the exploration of oil and gas. The fact is, America needs America's energy.

A sensible plan depends on the can-do attitude of the American people rather than the government-knows-best attitude

Source: 2012 Senate campaign website, www.jonesfortexas.com Jul 17, 2011

David Alameel: Energy independence is a national security priority

Source: 2010 Texas House campaign website, AlameelForCongress.com Nov 1, 2010

Jon Roland: Alternative non-carbon, non-nuclear energy sources