Climate Policy Engagement Analysis
Climate Policy Engagement Overview: The Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) is generally opposed to ambitious climate policy in the US. The association has actively pushed a deregulatory agenda over ambitious climate action, and continues to advocate firmly for increased oil and gas production in the state of Texas.
Top-line Messaging on Climate Policy: The TXOGA has very limited top-line messaging on climate policy, although where it has engaged it appears to have a relatively mixed it stance. In its climate statement, available on it's a corporate website, the association appeared to acknowledge some of the science of climate change. It does not appear to have disclosed a position on the Paris Agreement.
Engagement with Climate-Related Policy: The TXOGA has very limited engagement on climate policy, with the instances of recent engagement being on GHG emissions regulations. In comments submitted to the EPA in February 2023, regarding implementation of the Clean Air Act (CAA), the association questioned the EPA’s legal authority to decide that a previously approved ‘state plans’ for designated facilities no longer meet the applicable requirements of the CAA. In the same month, the association submitted comments to the EPA regarding the EPA Methane regulation supplementary proposal, where it did not support the stated requirements for pneumatic devices, and where it contested the EPA’s legal authority to request financial assurance plans regarding wells.
Positioning on Energy Transition: The TXOGA’s is consistent in its support for the maintenance and development of new oil and gas infrastructure. In January 2023, in its Annual Energy and Economic, the association called on elected officials to encourage growth in the oil and gas industry. The association's CEO Todd Staples has been vocal of the association's support for increased oil and gas production. In February 2022, Staples cited the invasion of Ukraine and energy security concerns as justification for continued investment into domestic oil and gas production.