Staples: Texas is a Trusted Partner in a Shifting Global Landscape

Texas is a trusted partner to the world. The Lone Star State not only exports oil, natural gas, and refined products—Texas exports confidence.

While recent U.S.-Israel airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities sparked concern, tensions in the Middle East have temporarily eased. Yet, global energy security remains fragile. Russia has intensified its military aggression in Ukraine, heightening instability across Europe. Meanwhile, China continues to exert pressure in the South China Sea, and North Korea has returned to its cycle of missile tests and nuclear posturing.

In this unsettled global environment, Texas energy remains a central and stabilizing force. It is a powerful reminder that energy underpins every aspect of modern life – and that reliable U.S. production helps cushion the world from the full impact of geopolitical disruptions.

Geopolitical risks are nothing new, but today’s convergence of threats is exceptional. Europe’s energy outlook remains uncertain as the continent transitions away from Russian natural gas. Strategic chokepoints, like the Strait of Hormuz, are still vulnerable to disruption. And threats from authoritarian regimes continue to impact trade, shipping, and supply chain stability.

These risks matter – not only to global stability, but to human development and economic opportunity. And Texas plays a critical role in addressing them. Our state leads the nation in oil and natural gas production, pipeline miles, refining, processing, and export capacity. Allies across Europe, Asia, and Latin America depend on Texas for reliable, affordable energy.

Texas producers have consistently stepped up when market stability is threatened. With about three-quarters of Texas LNG exports recently flowing to Europe, we’ve played a critical role in helping reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian natural gas. Our crude oil, natural gas liquids, and liquefied petroleum gas exports also provide reliable, cost-effective fuels and feedstocks essential for heating, cooking, and manufacturing worldwide.

But providing energy in an unpredictable world takes more than abundant resources. It requires modern infrastructure, predictable regulatory frameworks, and the agility to respond when global supply chains are strained.

That’s why Texas energy represents more than production—it stands for reliability, transparency, and trust. In times of volatility, our infrastructure and stable policy environment offer critical advantages to the United States and its allies.

Looking ahead, the stakes are high. The U.S. economy—still grappling with uncertainty in the wake of a first-quarter contraction—depends on affordable, abundant energy to power growth. Whether the issue is protecting shipping lanes or expanding energy infrastructure, Texas remains vital to domestic and global energy security.

Sustaining that leadership requires forward-thinking action. We need streamlined permitting processes, smart infrastructure investments, and trade policies that preserve market access for Texas energy producers and enable long-term growth.

In a shifting global landscape, Texas energy remains rock solid. The Lone Star State has always delivered when it counts—and with the right policies, we will continue to do so, reinforcing energy security at home and abroad.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association and former Texas Agriculture Commissioner. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author. Staples can be reached by email via: gfox@gfoxconsulting.com.

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