Energy Workforce President Tim Tarpley recently joined The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Council to share an overview of EWTC’s work and a look at where the energy services industry stands heading into the back half of 2026. Speaking to a room of Houston-area business leaders, Tarpley discussed EWTC’s policy priorities, including permitting reform, tariffs and trade, geopolitical disruptions, and the upcoming midterms.
A significant part of the discussion focused on energy demand and the workforce powering it. AI and data center buildout, manufacturing reshoring, and continued global LNG growth have combined to drive demand higher, and Tarpley emphasized that Texas is uniquely positioned to remain the country’s leader in meeting that demand, if state and federal policy keep pace with the market. The Houston region sits at the operational and technical heart of an industry that supports nearly 628,000 jobs nationally, with Texas alone accounting for over 305,000, and continued investment in the skilled workforce that builds, operates, and maintains this infrastructure remains essential.
Rising energy demand presents real challenges, but it also creates significant opportunities for the energy services sector and the Houston region. Energy Workforce appreciates The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Council for the invitation and for hosting a strong discussion on the future of the industry.
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