ICYMI: Sen. Cruz, Cornyn & Democrat County Judge Eddie Treviño Op-Ed Defending Texas Energy

HOUSTON — This week, an op-ed was published in the Rio Grande Guardian, jointly written by Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn and Democrat County Judge Eddie Treviño. 

Democrat Judge Treviño joined Senator Cruz and Cornyn in this op-ed to defend Texas energy, showcasing the importance of our energy industry. It also highlights the fact that Democrats recognize Sen. Cruz’s energy policy and leadership is in the best interest of Texas workers and our economy at large, as opposed to radical policies led by Colin Allred that would cripple our energy industry. 

The article states the following. 

“In less than a decade, the United States transformed from exporting almost no liquefied natural gas (LNG) to becoming the world’s leading exporter, surpassing other energy-producing giants like Russia and Qatar. Texas energy producers and innovators drove this remarkable achievement, playing a pivotal role in making America a global energy powerhouse.

“America’s new role as the leading LNG exporter comes at a critical time. The Energy Information Administration projects a 48% increase in global demand for natural gas by 2050. To meet this rising demand, we need greater investment in America’s LNG sector. As elected officials in the Lone Star State, we believe that Texas energy—produced by blue collar workers from the Permian Basin to the Rio Grande Valley—should be at the forefront of this effort. If we don’t take action, countries like Russia and Iran are poised to overtake America as the world’s primary energy supplier…

“The Rio Grande Valley is an area rich in culture, history, potential—and exploding economic development. And it stands to lose the most from this disastrous court decision. One of the impacted projects, NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG, would create over 6,000 jobs and bring more than $18 billion in investment to South Texas. By revoking these permits, the D.C. Circuit Court imposes yet another costly bureaucratic roadblock to developing critical energy infrastructure and, most importantly, denies Valley communities the new economic growth that local leaders are championing…

“This is also why we are fighting for the Cruz-Cornyn Protect LNG Act. This bill ensures that a court cannot vacate a previously authorized LNG permit, and that the appeals court for Texas, and not DC, would rule on lawsuits regarding LNG projects in Texas. Finally, it would force courts to grant expedited decisions in relevant cases, so LNG exporters aren’t tied up in years of litigation.

“Let’s not allow misguided federal policies—or, worse, misapplied decisions from judges who preside over courts outside of Texas—to undermine Texas energy. It’s time to stand up for the men and women who power our state, for the communities that will thrive because of major investments in LNG projects, and for American- and Texan-led energy production.”