The 2021 Texas Energy Day was hosted at the Capitol and organized by the Texas Oil and Gas Association.
The day is meant to recognize and celebrate the importance of the energy sector in Texas and more specifically, the oil and gas industries in the state. This year, the day was celebrated virtually in light of the coronavirus pandemic. State Sen. Kel Seliger led the rest of his colleagues in marking the importance of the day.
"I joined my West Texas & Permian Basin colleagues from the House for @TXOGA ’s virtual Texas Energy Day at the Capitol. #SB31 has done an incredible amount to make America energy independent, which strengthens our national security. I’ll always be an advocate for our O&G workers," Seliger said on Twitter.
High-profile politicians and public officials attended the virtual event, showing just how important the energy sector is in Texas. This year, Gov. Greg Abbott was present and one of the most prominent speakers during the event. During his speech, he assured listeners that he would fight hard to protect the oil and gas industry.
While clean energy advocates clamor for increased support for renewable energy sources, Gov. Abbott noted that emissions are down significantly as the industry improves its efficiency.
“Emissions are down so much, it is the equivalent of having removed 88 million vehicles from the roads in Texas," he said.
Detractors like Luke Metzger from Environment Texas argued that less pollution doesn't make existing pollution better.
“This is an inherently dirty form of energy. And by burning those fossil fuels, you know, you’re putting pollution into the air that, you know, makes people sick," Metzger said.
As of now, there is no indication that organizers intend to open up the event to cleaner forms of energy.