Washington, D.C. – Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) co-chaired the first meeting of the Texas Caucus on Shale Oil and Gas (TCSOG).  This caucus serves as a valuable, bi-partisan place to discuss issues surrounding shale production in Texas. 

The University of Texas in San Antonio (UTSA) forecasted that development of oil and natural gas in the Eagle Ford Shale added more than $61 billion in total economic impact across a 20-county region in Central and South Texas during 2012.  Additionally, it supported 116,000 jobs. In 2011, UTSA reported the region generated $25 billion in economic impact and supported 117,000 jobs. The study projects that the region will support 127,000 jobs and produce an economic impact of $89 billion for Texas in 2022.

“Oil and gas are the backbone of Texas’ economy and the shale oil boom has had an immense impact on business owners, towns, and cities throughout my District, TX-28, “said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I look forward to working with my colleagues across the State to further develop this vital segment of our economy.”

The Caucus meeting included presentations from:

• United States Geological Survey Associate Energy Program Coordinator, on how USGS prepares shale oil & gas projections for the state, along with providing a snapshot of projections for the State of Texas in the coming years.

• Texas Railroad Commission, Commissioner David Porter on how the TXRRC is handling the current Texas boom in shale production, along with the current state of lease and production statistics statewide.

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Chairman Bryan Shaw on recent federal and state policies which have impacted production, and what is being done in Texas to ensure safe production practices.

Members of the Caucus include Democrats and Republicans from the Texas delegation.