Waco, TX – Governor Greg Abbott took center stage at the 2024 Dallas Citizens Council Annual Meeting, emphasizing Texas’ prominent position in the global energy sector. Speaking to a packed crowd of over 800 local business leaders and entrepreneurs, Abbott touted the state’s “robust” energy industry and its role in powering not just Texas, but much of the world.
“Texas is the fourth-largest producer of oil in the entire world,” Abbott declared, underscoring the importance of the state’s energy workforce. He praised the hard work and dedication of the men and women in the energy sector, which he credited with driving Texas’ dominance as an energy hub.
The Governor outlined his vision for the future of the state’s energy grid, reiterating Texas’ commitment to an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. He pointed to the state’s leadership in both traditional and renewable energy, noting that Texas is No. 1 for wind power generation and utility-scale solar capacity.
“Here in Texas, we believe in an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy approach,” Abbott explained. “We will increase the capacity of our grid to ensure that every Texan has affordable, reliable power. And we will unleash the full potential of Texas’ nuclear industry.”
Abbott’s comments reflected the state’s ongoing push to diversify its energy resources while ensuring grid stability and reliability. He highlighted plans to further expand nuclear power, a key part of the Governor’s strategy to balance energy production and demand in the face of growing population and business needs.
In addition to energy, Abbott discussed the state’s infrastructure investments, particularly in water resources. He praised the passage of Senate Bill 28, which he signed into law last year. The bill created the Water For Texas Fund, a $1 billion initiative aimed at developing seven million acre-feet of new water supplies over the next decade. The fund is designed to bolster the state’s water security and support continued growth.
Abbott was joined in the discussion by former Dallas Citizens Council Chairman Rob Walters and Energy Transfer Executive Chairman Kelcy Warren, who both provided additional perspectives on Texas’ energy landscape and its importance to the broader national economy.
The Governor’s address comes at a pivotal time for the state’s energy industry, with Texas continuing to face challenges related to grid reliability, renewable energy integration, and climate change. Abbott’s remarks suggest that addressing these challenges while fostering economic growth will remain a top priority for his administration.
As the event wrapped up, Abbott reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Texas remains the undisputed leader in energy production and innovation. “We’re not just going to meet our needs,” Abbott said. “We’re going to power the future of Texas, and in doing so, we’ll continue to lead the world in energy.”
