Eagle Ford and Permian Basin Creating Jobs and Growing the Economy of Texas
By: Pete P. Gallego
Only a few years ago, energy and oil consumption outpaced domestic production by a staggering 25 percent. By necessity, the United States looked to outside sources of energy – often in very unstable regions of the world.
At the same time, small towns across Texas were getting even smaller as residents moved to the bigger cities in search of jobs and opportunities. Many rural areas across Texas had fallen on hard times. Empty storefronts and vacant buildings were not uncommon.
Enter technology. A new technology involving hydraulic fracturing – now nicknamed “fracking” – uncovered sources of energy long known to exist, but previously thought of as unreachable. For small communities in Eagle Ford and Permian Basin, fracking has given them a new lease on life and with a prosperity never seen even in previous energy booms.
Fracking consists of pumping a liquid solution into rock and sediment formations at high pressure. This process cracks the formations and releases oil and natural gas that can then be harvested. This, paired with advances in horizontal drilling, allows us to tap Texas’ massive shale energy reserves – a feat considered impossible only a few short years ago.
Like many new technologies, fracking is not without its critics. For example, it uses considerable amounts of water. And, the injection process remains controversial in some quarters. Yet, technology’s continual advances will make the process safer, cleaner and more efficient over the long-term.
As both a kid and as an adult, I heard regular references to “oil wars” and criticism of American dependence on Middle Eastern oil. As a result of fracking, innovative drilling techniques and the development of alternative fuel sources, it is said that our energy deficit will drop to three percent by 2035. This is hugely important in an increasingly dangerous world.
In addition, for three of the five counties in the Eagle Ford play, the shale has provided over a 40 percent increase in taxable income. The Eagle Ford shale boom is providing jobs, more resources, better income and billions of dollars in economic growth and investment in Texas. In some areas, competition for labor has increased wages by as much as 50 percent.
The shale in Eagle Ford and Permian Basin are global game-changers. As our ability to export the energy produced in Eagle Ford and Permian Basin expands, so does our influence. And, at the same time, previous oil exporting countries like Russia, Iran and Venezuela will see their spheres of influence decline. This puts the United States in a better position to deal with global crises – and it makes the world safer for our children and grandchildren.
Speaking of our kids and grandkids, we must continually look for cleaner, safer and better ways to harvest energy. We must always ask the tough questions about how the technology will impact our communities, our environment and our future. Our approach to energy independence must be balanced, sustainable and based on common-sense. Drilling companies must partner with government, local communities, and businesses to create an environment that fosters both business growth and good environmental stewardship.
Even the youngest Texans know that we must not “kill the goose that lays the golden egg.” All of us – whether labor or management, employee or business owner – have a vested interest in Texas and in our communities. By working together, we can continue to secure America’s energy future responsibly, bring jobs and investment to Texas, and make the world a cleaner, healthier and safer place for our families.
U.S. Representative Pete P. Gallego, D-Alpine, represents the 23rd District of Texas, which includes all or parts of 29 counties in southwest Texas, stretching from San Antonio to El Paso. He serves on the House Armed Services and House Agriculture Committees.
