By State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa)
In the wake of recent developments at the federal level, it has become increasingly apparent that our cherished principles of liberty and self-determination are under assault by the current administration.
Thomas Jefferson once wisely proclaimed, “A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.” These words resonate with a truth that transcends generations. Yet, it seems the Biden Administration has forgotten these fundamental principles.
The Biden Administration continues weaponizing the federal government against the West Texas energy industry.
However, as your state representative I have recently been entrusted with a critical responsibility—to serve on the House Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports. This committee, recently established under the leadership of Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, has been tasked with the vital duty to examine the far-reaching implications of the Biden Administration’s decision to impose a temporary pause on export permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-free trade agreement countries.
The committee I’m serving on will analyze the legal authority under which the federal action was taken; assess economic, environmental, and social impacts; identify strategies to mitigate the adverse of effects on the LNG industry, Texas’ energy sector, and the state’s economy. We will also recommend legislative, policy, or other remedial actions to address the challenges posed by the federal suspension of LNG export permits.
I’m grateful to Speaker Phelan for creating this important committee because the significance of liquified natural gas exports to our state and nation cannot be overstated. The administration’s unilateral actions strike at the heart of our state’s prosperity, our country’s national security and threaten to undermine the very foundation of our energy industry.
This is not merely a matter of bureaucratic red tape. As a lifelong resident of the Permian Basin, I know firsthand the remarkable contributions of the energy sector to our communities – it is a source of pride and livelihood for countless Texans, especially for us in West Texas.
We must continue to stand firm and resolute as a state and leave no stone unturned. And you can rest assured I will not rest until every Texan’s voice is heard, and every job is safeguarded.
As chairman of the House Environmental Regulation Committee and now member of this new select committee, I am uniquely positioned to confront the challenges posed by the federal government head-on. I will continue to take the fight to the Biden Administration and hold them accountable for their failed policies.
This is a moment to heed the words of Thomas Jefferson, and stand as guardians of liberty and prosperity. We must reject the insidious encroachment of government overreach and embrace the enduring principles of free enterprise and individual liberty. In doing so, we will not only defend our rights and our freedoms but also ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come.
God bless Texas,
Brooks Landgraf
