Abbott signs executive order hoping to protect energy industry

Governor Abbott issued an Executive Order after hosting a roundtable discussion with numerous energy workers in Odessa in which he hopes will help protect the state’s energy industry from federal overreach. He has also announced his support for legislation that would prohibit cities from banning natural gas appliances. The governor also discussed expanding broadband access in rural communities, enhancing workforce development and cutting costly red tape.

The governor said, “The men and women who work in the energy industry produce the affordable energy that powers our lives and they are vital to the Texas economy. Texas is a pro-energy state, and we will not sit idly by and allow the Biden administration or local governments to destroy jobs and raise energy costs for Texas families. My Executive Order will help ensure that the federal government cannot take away the livelihoods of Texans who work so hard to provide our state and our nation with the energy we need.”

The executive order tells every state agency to use all lawful powers and tools to challenge any federal action that threatens the continued strength, vitality, and independence of the energy industry. Abbott says that each state agency should work to identify potential litigation, notice-and-comment opportunities, and any other means of preventing federal overreach within the law.