Staples: Texas oil and gas companies committed to reducing emissions

HARLINGEN, RGV - Texas oil and gas companies are committed to reducing emissions and helping to improve the world’s climate. That is the view of Todd Staples. The president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association held a conference call with reporters on Tuesday to announce that the industry paid a record amount in local taxes and state royalties in 2019.“I think Texas is at risk if we don’t have a very real, factual-based, conversation about our climate; about our environment and about the progress that needs to be made,” Staples said.“I think Texas-based oil and natural gas companies are committed to making climate progress. They are committed to a lower emissions future. They are leading the way in investment and technology.”Noting that Texas is a global energy leader, Staples said members of his organization are “champions” when it comes to carbon capture and sequestration, arguing that they have established lead detection and repair protocols that they are sharing with other companies. “Our companies have invested heavily in improved sensors and monitoring overall. We know that refining technologies have made our fuels more than 99 percent cleaner than they were just a few decades ago. We are extremely proud of the environmental progress.”Editor's Note: This podcast features the Q&A Staples held with reporters on Jan. 14, 2020, including new data on the amount of sales taxes and royalty payments Texas oil and gas companies pay to state and local governments.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.