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U.S. House Committees Hold Field Hearings in Midland Highlighting Importance of Domestic Energy Production

This week the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources and the U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce held two committee field hearings in Midland highlighting the importance of domestic energy production. The Representatives attending these hearings had an opportunity to see the heart of domestic energy production in the Permian Basin, how the men and women working in this region produce energy cleaner and more efficiently than anywhere else, and how recent regulatory actions have impacted the industry as a whole.

The first hearing took place this past Monday, February 13, and was held by the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources at the University of Texas Permian Basin Midland Campus. The hearing specifically highlighted the impacts of onshore federal oil and natural gas production on state and local communities. Expert witnesses Douglas Ackerman, President & CEO of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, New Mexico State Sen. David Gallegos (District 41) and Tracee Bentley, President & CEO of the Permian Strategic Partnership, offered testimony on how the industry impacts local programs like funding for education and good paying jobs.  A recording of this hearing can be found here.

The second hearing held by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 16 at the Bush Convention Center.  This hearing titled “American Energy Expansion: Improving Local Economies and Communities’ Way of Life” will focus on recent regulatory actions from Executive Branch agencies have impacted the domestic energy industry.  Expert witnesses offering testimony on this topic include: Lori Blong, Mayor of Midland and President of Octane Energy; Adrian Carrasco, Chairman of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and President of Premier Energy Services; Steve Pruett, President and CEO, Elevation Resources, in Midland, and Chairman of the Board for Independent Petroleum Association of America; and Dr. Maria A. Reyes, Deputy Director, Commission Shift.  A live stream of this hearing can be found here

Energy Workforce staff will continue to engage with lawmakers on the state and federal level and continue to monitor the legislative activity that may impact the energy services and technology sector of the industry.

If you are interested in Energy Workforce’s advocacy efforts or would like to join the Government Affairs Committee, contact Energy Workforce Senior Director Government Affairs Deidre Kohlrus.


Deidre Almstead Kohlrus, Senior Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
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