News Releases & Statements

Austin, Texas - Citing the latest Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) today highlighted new employment figures showing continued growth in monthly employment for the Texas upstream sector. According to TIPRO’s analysis, direct Texas upstream employment for September 2022 totaled 202,900, an increase of 900 jobs from August employment numbers. Texas upstream employment in September 2022 represented the addition of 34,900 positions compared to September 2021, including an increase of 8,800 in oil and natural gas extraction and 26,100 jobs in the services sector.

TIPRO once again noted strong job posting data for upstream, midstream and downstream sectors for the month of September. According to the association, there were 11,382 active unique jobs postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry in September, including 3,600 new job postings added in the month. While posting data remained strong, job growth slowed in September compared to previous months, likely due to a workforce shortage facing the industry.

Among the 14 specific industry sectors TIPRO uses to define the Texas oil and natural gas industry, Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations continued to dominate the rankings for unique job listings in September with 3,066 postings, followed by Crude Petroleum Extraction (1,558), and Petroleum Refineries (1,108), indicating a continued emphasis on increasing exploration and production activities in the state. The leading three cities by total unique oil and natural gas job postings were Houston (4,181), Midland (1,028) and Odessa (541), said TIPRO. 

The top three companies ranked by unique job postings in September were Baker Hughes with 602 positions, Energy Transfer (498) and KBR (435), according to TIPRO’s analysis. Of the top ten companies listed by unique job postings last month, five companies were in the services sector, followed by three companies in oil and natural gas extraction and two midstream companies. 

Top posted industry occupations for September included heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers (620), managers (322) and maintenance and repair workers (265). Top qualifications for unique job postings included Commercial Driver's License (CDL) (515), CDL Class A License (436) and Bachelor of Science in Business (173). When analyzing education requirements for unique industry job postings last month, TIPRO reports that 44 percent required a bachelor’s degree, 35 percent a high school diploma or GED, and 23 percent had no education requirement listed as part of the criteria.

TIPRO also highlights new data released from the Texas comptroller’s office showing production taxes paid by the oil and natural gas industry to the state of Texas generated over $1 billion in tax revenue in September. According to the comptroller’s data, in September, Texas oil producers paid $552 million in production taxes, up 41 percent from September 2021. Natural gas producers, meanwhile, last month paid $480 million in state taxes, up 91 percent from September 2021.

Additionally, TIPRO reports that oil output in the Permian Basin is forecasted to jump by 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a record 5.453 million bpd in November, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas, oil output will rise by 18,000 bpd to hit 1.226 million bpd in November, the formation's highest production level since April 2020. Overall, U.S. crude oil production is expected to go up by 104,000 bpd, topping 9.105 million bpd in November, the country's highest output since March 2020, projects the EIA. 

Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO, said the following: "We continue to see employment and production growth, and high demand for available workers in the Texas oil and natural gas industry despite the many challenges facing producers today. OPEC’s oil output cuts and geopolitical conflicts also make clear why it is so important for the U.S. to encourage domestic production and to continue exporting our resources into the global market. Continued investment in energy infrastructure, like LNG export terminals, pipelines and refineries, is also essential to meeting global energy needs. It's past time to stop using short-sighted ploys to stabilize prices and develop a long-term strategy to address our growing energy needs in coordination with Texas oil and gas producers who are ready to meet this challenge."

"Moreover, constantly pointing the finger at energy producers will not lower global prices," Longanecker continued. "Oil and gas companies are price takers, not price makers. Global energy markets determine the costs of petroleum products. Policies that get to the root of the problem and address U.S. supply of oil and gas resources are what America really needs. This includes tackling production variables, such as streamlining permitting processes for additional infrastructure or increasing onshore and offshore development opportunities."

Austin, Texas - Today, OPEC+ agreed to its deepest production cuts since 2020 when COVID-19 dramatically impacted global demand for oil and natural gas. The decision comes less than three months after President Biden visited Saudi Arabia in an effort to encourage OPEC countries to increase production. The following statement can be attributed to Ed Longanecker, president of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO):

“OPEC’s oil output cuts make clear once again why it is so important for the U.S. to encourage domestic oil and gas production and to continue exporting our resources into the global market. Without Texas oil, the impact of OPEC's cuts would be far greater on prices, U.S. consumers and the current energy crisis facing our allies abroad. This year, President Biden implored OPEC to increase production numerous times, while concurrently undercutting domestic production with policies that hinder oil and gas development. It has become painfully evident that we must develop coherent policy to support growing energy demand. Policymakers and this administration must work with the U.S. oil and natural gas industry to support investments in energy infrastructure and domestic production so we are no longer reliant on OPEC and hostile regimes that use energy as a political weapon.”

Austin, Texas - Citing the latest Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) today highlighted new employment figures showing continued growth in monthly employment for the Texas upstream sector. According to TIPRO’s analysis, direct Texas upstream employment for August 2022 totaled 201,700 an increase of 2,600 jobs from adjusted July employment numbers. Texas upstream employment in August 2022 represented an increase of 33,400 positions compared to August 2021, including an increase of 8,200 in oil and natural gas extraction and 25,200 jobs in the services sector.

TIPRO once again noted strong job posting data for upstream, midstream and downstream sectors for the month of August. According to the association, there were 11,909 active unique jobs postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry in August, including 3,906 new job postings added in the month.

Among the 14 specific industry sectors TIPRO uses to define the Texas oil and natural gas industry, Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations continued to dominant the rankings for unique job listings in August with 3,115 postings, followed by Crude Petroleum Extraction (1,486), and Petroleum Refineries (1,178), indicating a continued emphasis on increasing exploration and production activities in the state. The leading three cities by total unique oil and natural gas job postings were Houston (4,344), Midland (1,225) and Odessa (549), said TIPRO. 

The top three companies ranked by unique job postings in August were Baker Hughes with 714 positions, KBR (481) and Energy Transfer (412), according to TIPRO’s analysis. Of the top ten companies listed by unique job postings last month, five companies were in the services sector, followed by three companies in oil and natural gas extraction and two midstream companies. 

Top posted industry occupations for August included heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers (648), managers (344) and maintenance and repair workers (268). Top qualifications for unique job postings included Commercial Driver's License (790), Master of Business Administration (195) and Tanker Endorsement (185). When analyzing education requirements for unique industry job postings last month, TIPRO reports that 44 percent required a bachelor’s degree, 34 percent a high school diploma or GED, and 24 percent had no education requirement listed as part of the criteria.

TIPRO also highlights new data released from the Texas comptroller’s office showing production taxes paid by the oil and natural gas industry to the State of Texas reached a record $10.83 billion for FY 2022. Strong growth in August came from receipts remitted by the oil and gas mining sector, which were up by nearly 80 percent compared with a year ago.

Additionally, TIPRO reports that oil and gas output in Texas is on track to reach new production records next month. Experts with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecast that oil production in the Permian Basin, the most nation's most prolific shale oil basin, will rise 66,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a record 5.41 million bpd in October. Oil production in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas is also expected to increase 26,000 bpd in October, reaching 1.25 million bpd. Further, natural gas production will rise in the Permian to record highs of 20.74 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), according to the EIA, and in the Eagle Ford, natural gas production will grow to 7.22 bcfd. 

“The continued growth in the Texas oil and natural gas industry, and its critical role in strengthening energy security for our country and allies abroad, is truly extraordinary,” said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. “Our organization and members remain committed to advancing energy policies at all levels of government to support domestic oil and natural gas production to meet growing global demand, and we applaud the millions of hardworking Americans in the energy sector," concluded Longanecker. 

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About TIPRO

The Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) is a trade association representing the interests of nearly 3,000 independent oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners throughout Texas. As one of the nation’s largest statewide associations representing both independent producers and royalty owners, members include small businesses, the largest, publicly-traded independent producers, and mineral owners, estates, and trusts. 

September 15, 2022

Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) President, Ed Longenecker, and member companies will visit Cheniere’s liquified natural gas (LNG) export facility and the Port of Corpus Christi on Thursday, September 15 to promote the importance of domestic oil and natural gas production, energy infrastructure, and petroleum exports.

with access to abundant, affordable gas produced in Texas by TIPRO member companies, the Cheniere liquefaction facility is supplying the growing global energy demand for new sources of reliable, cleaner energy solutions. TIPRO will tour the facility responsible for the liquefaction of natural gas, which is loaded onto double-hulled ships and exported to markets abroad. TIPRO also continues to engage with policymakers at the state and federal level to stress the significant role that domestic oil and natural gas production plays in meeting growing energy demand here and abroad. The group is joined by state officials today in Corpus Christi.

“As the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the United States, and home to the country’s leading LNG exporter and a robust network of ports, Texas is uniquely positioned to supply the energy needed to meet growing global demand,” said Ed Longanecker, President of TIPRO. “Energy security has never been more critical, and our policy decisions must reflect the need for regulatory certainty to support long-term investments in production and energy infrastructure,” added Longanecker.  

The rise in American energy independence culminated in the United States becoming a net exporter of natural gas in 2016, eventually reaching 11.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in the first half of 2022. The Port of Corpus Christi alone moved a record 90.1 million tons of energy product in the first six months of this year, ranking it second largest in total LNG exports. Exports are projected to continue to grow due to increased global demand.

Texas remains the leading producer of natural gas in the U.S., producing roughly a quarter of the nation’s natural gas. And production in the Lone Star State is helping to change the world by providing access to this foundational, low carbon fuel source. According to Texans for Natural Gas’ report on Texas LNG, the LNG leaving Corpus Christi’s port emits 50 percent less CO₂ than coal when used for power generation in countries like China, India, and Germany, and boasts a 143 percent lower flaring intensity than Russia, who typically supplies these countries.

Natural gas has accounted for almost one-third of total global energy demand and growth over the last decade, surpassing all other fuels. The increased demand for American natural gas has become more pronounced after President Biden promised additional shipments to allies abroad. Last year’s pipeline completions in the Permian alone added an additional 2.1 bcf/d to Texas’ capacity, but if the state is to continue supplying allies with much-needed natural gas, more pipelines must be built. Increased pipeline capacity would help the Basin continue to reduce its methane emissions intensity by quickly moving natural gas away from production areas to domestic customers and LNG facilities.

Cheniere is responding to the rise in global demand for LNG by expanding its Texas facility to add more than 10 million metric tons per year of capacity. With the investments Cheniere is making and robust infrastructure and pipeline growth to handle the increased production in Texas’ Permian Basin, the United States can ship larger amounts of lower-carbon LNG across the world, addressing growing energy needs and helping to reduce emissions.

Austin, Texas -- Texas leaders reviewed the largest regulatory, legislative and legal priorities for oil and natural gas producers during the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association's (TIPRO) annual Summer Conference hosted last week on August 24-25 in San Antonio. Four congressional members, including U.S. Representatives Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Mayra Flores (TX-34), Tony Gonzales (TX-23) and August Pfluger (TX-11), provided remarks at the association's event, along with Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Texas Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright, Deputy First Assistant Attorney General Grant Dorfman, industry executives from Devon Energy and Satelytics as well as other oil and gas experts.

”TIPRO was proud to welcome an impressive lineup of distinguished officials and private sector executives at its two-day conference, which covered a wide-range of topics, including policy priorities for the state's energy sector, leading oilfield innovations and a comprehensive market outlook for the oil and natural gas industry,” said TIPRO Chairman Jud Walker, who also serves as president and CEO of EnerVest Ltd. “TIPRO has continued to have a strong tradition of bringing industry experts, policymakers and its members together to stay abreast of the latest issues and trends facing the upstream sector. Thank you to all of the speakers, sponsors and attendees for this year’s event,” added Walker.

Participating in a moderated discussion with Walker, Clay Gaspar, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Devon Energy, helped kick off the association's conference. Devon Energy, which recently announced plans to expand the company's footprint in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas, also notably merged with WPX Energy in 2020. Gaspar highlighted Devon's strategy to pursue the accretive transactions, and also spoke of general conditions across the industry that are expected to lead to more consolidation, which he observed would address "natural inefficiencies" in the upstream, midstream and service sectors.

In addition, at the association's Summer meeting, Railroad Commissioner Wright told TIPRO's audience about regulatory work underway at the commission. Wright highlighted rulemakings that are being developed to improve weatherization and emergency preparation measures for critical facilities, which come after Winter Storm Uri impacted Texas in 2021. Commissioner Wright also reviewed with the association other leading industry challenges and regulatory concerns, including the agency's response to seismic activity occurring near oil and gas basins, expanding well plugging remediation efforts in Texas, ongoing emission reductions by oil and natural gas producers and declining flaring rates in Texas. 

With the state's 88^th Legislative Session only a few months away, Lieutenant Governor Patrick also offered an update to TIPRO about interim legislative work at the state capitol that will shape the next legislative cycle in Texas. The lieutenant governor championed policies like Senate Bill 13, adopted by lawmakers during the last legislative session, that prohibits state offices from investing with banking institutions found to be boycotting energy companies or entities involved in the fossil-fuel based energy sector. The lieutenant governor promised to continue to fight for policies that will prioritize and protect the state's thriving oil and gas industry as well as maintain a strong business environment and cut red tape.

Afternoon presentations from Congressman Gonzalez and Congresswoman Flores meanwhile centered on federal policies of relevance to independent producers and royalty owners, including the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, H.R. 5376, that was signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this month. During their speeches, both congressional lawmakers affirmed the importance of domestic energy production and said more must be done by Congress and the Biden Administration to enable the nation's oil and gas sector to grow.

Grant Dorfman, deputy first assistant attorney general, also informed members of TIPRO about legal challenges pursued by the Texas attorney general's office in defense of Texas' energy industry. Such efforts have escalated significantly over the past year as the state government fights to protect the Texas oil and gas industry from federal overreach by the Biden Administration. Dorfman specifically highlighted lawsuits filed against the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Interior to stop excessive and intrusion regulation by the federal government, which he said were designed to "end fossil fuels." 

Other presenters at the TIPRO Summer Conference last week, including Satelytics CEO Sean Donegan and Marshall Adkins, head of energy for Raymond James, provided other meaningful insights on unique oilfield innovations, as well as expectations for oil and natural gas markets.

"TIPRO's Summer Conference featured many important and captivating conversations centered around the ever-changing policy environment for the Texas oil and natural gas industry," said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. "We appreciate the commentary from our speakers allowing the members of TIPRO and other industry stakeholders to better understand many of the timely issues facing E&P companies and independent oil and gas producers today."

"TIPRO throughout the year provides relevant programs and industry forums allowing energy professionals to learn, engage and network," continued Longanecker. "Forward momentum for the Texas energy sector will require continued collaboration, innovation and leadership. TIPRO is pleased to offer opportunities that support these partnerships and ongoing efforts to promote the essential work of our state's oil and natural gas industry." 

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New TIPRO Analysis Shows Texas Upstream Job Growth Continues While Oil and Gas Industry Again Pays Record-Breaking Taxes

August 19, 2022

Austin, Texas - As drilling activity in Texas continues to increase, so are job levels for the state's oil and natural gas industry. Citing the latest Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) today highlighted new employment figures showing significant growth in monthly employment for the Texas upstream sector. According to TIPRO’s analysis, direct Texas upstream employment for July 2022 totaled 202,800, an increase of 6,800 jobs from June employment numbers. Texas upstream employment in July 2022 represented an increase of 35,400 positions compared to July 2021, including an increase of 8,600 in oil and natural gas extraction and 26,800 jobs in the services sector.

The Houston metropolitan area, the largest region in the state for industry employment, showed an increase of 2,000 upstream jobs last month compared to June, for a total of 68,800 direct positions, according to TIPRO. Houston metro upstream employment in July 2022 represented an increase of 11,000 jobs compared to July 2021, including an increase of 5,200 in oil and natural gas extraction and 5,800 jobs in the services sector.

TIPRO once again noted strong job posting data for upstream, midstream and downstream sectors for the month of July. According to the association, there were 13,614 active unique jobs postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry in July, an increase of nearly 10 percent compared to June numbers.

Among the 14 specific industry sectors TIPRO uses to define the Texas oil and natural gas industry, Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations once again ranked the highest in July for unique job listings with 3,571 postings, followed by Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (1,674 postings), and Crude Petroleum Extraction (1,624 postings), indicating a continued emphasis on increasing exploration and production activities in the state. The leading three cities by total unique oil and natural gas job postings were Houston (4,864), Midland (1,383) and Odessa (639), said TIPRO. 

The top three companies ranked by unique job postings in July were Baker Hughes with 1,152 positions, KBR (486) and Weatherford International (451), according to TIPRO’s analysis. Of the top ten companies listed by unique job postings last month, five companies were in the services sector, followed by three companies in oil and natural gas extraction and two midstream companies. 

Top posted industry occupations for July included heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers (752), managers (351) and software developers (340). Top qualifications for unique job postings included Commercial Driver's License (870), Master of Business Administration (250) and Bachelor of Science in Business (210). When analyzing education requirements for unique industry job postings last month, TIPRO reports that 43 percent required a bachelor’s degree, 34 percent a high school diploma or GED, and 26 percent had no education requirement listed as part of the criteria.

TIPRO also highlights new data released from the Texas comptroller’s office showing record levels of tax contributions paid by Texas oil and natural gas producers. In July, $694 million in oil production taxes were paid, 84 percent higher than July 2021. Texas energy producers also paid $532 million in natural gas production taxes for the same month, up 185 percent from last July. Both figures represented the highest monthly collections on record, continuing a trend of producers paying record amounts in taxes to the state. Oil and natural gas severance taxes support all aspects of the Texas economy, including roads and infrastructure investments, water conservation projects, schools and education, first responders and other essential public services.

Additionally, TIPRO reports that oil and gas output in Texas is on track to reach new production records in September. Experts with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecast that oil production in the Permian Basin, the most nation's most prolific shale oil basin, will rise 79,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a record 5.408 million bpd in September. Oil production in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas is also expected to increase 26,000 bpd in August, reaching 1.230 million bpd. Further, natural gas production will rise in the Permian to record highs of 20.58 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), according to the EIA, and in the Eagle Ford, natural gas production will grow to 7.1 bcfd. 

“The growth in July upstream employment once again illustrates a high demand for available talent in-line with increasing levels of exploration and production activities in the state to meet growing energy needs here and abroad," said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. "Despite this growth, Texas operators face numerous challenges, including workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions and growing concerns over policy decisions coming from Washington, D.C. TIPRO remains committed to advancing energy policies at all levels of government to strengthen our nation's energy security and economic opportunities," concluded Longanecker. 

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Austin, Texas - Citing the latest Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) today highlighted new employment figures showing a significant increase in monthly employment for the Texas upstream sector. According to TIPRO’s analysis, direct Texas upstream employment for June 2022 totaled 194,900, an increase of 6,100 jobs from May numbers, subject to revisions. Texas upstream employment in June 2022 represented an increase of 31,000 positions compared to June 2021, including an increase of 8,300 in oil and natural gas extraction and 22,700 jobs in the services sector.

The Houston metropolitan area, the largest region in the state for industry employment, showed an increase of 2,000 upstream jobs last month compared to May, for a total of 67,000 direct positions, according to TIPRO. Houston metro upstream employment in June 2022 represented an increase of 10,000 jobs compared to June 2021, including an increase of 4,400 in oil and natural gas extraction and 5,600 jobs in the services sector.

TIPRO once again noted strong job posting data for upstream, midstream and downstream sectors for the month of June. According to the association, there were 12,391 active unique jobs postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry in June, an increase of 6 percent compared to May numbers.

Among the 14 specific industry sectors TIPRO uses to define the Texas oil and natural gas industry, Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations once again ranked the highest in June for unique job listings with 3,247 postings, followed by Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (1,547 postings), and Crude Petroleum Extraction (1,431 postings), indicating a continued emphasis on increasing exploration and production activities in the state. The leading three cities by total unique oil and natural gas job postings were Houston (4,594), Midland (1,199) and Odessa (520), said TIPRO. 

The top three companies ranked by unique job postings in May were Baker Hughes with 1,073 positions, KBR (490) and Halliburton (436), according to TIPRO’s analysis. Of the top ten companies listed by unique job postings last month, six companies were in the services sector, followed by two companies in midstream and two in oil and natural gas extraction. 

Top posted industry occupations for June included heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers (627), software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers (335) and personal service managers (313). Top qualifications for unique job postings included Commercial Driver's License (687), Master of Business Administration (221) and Bachelor of Science in Business (182). When analyzing education and experience requirements for unique industry job postings last month, TIPRO reports that 42 percent required a bachelor’s degree, 34 percent a high school diploma or GED, and 8 percent listed a master’s degree as part of their criteria. 

TIPRO also highlights new data released from the Texas comptroller’s office showing record levels of severance taxes paid by Texas oil and natural gas producers. In June, $679 million in oil production taxes were paid, an increase of $84 million compared to May and 87 percent higher than June 2021. Taxes paid by natural gas producers also reached a new record, with $439 million paid in June, an increase of $26 million compared to May and 176 percent higher than June 2021 numbers. TIPRO explains that oil and natural gas severance taxes support all aspects of the Texas economy, including roads and infrastructure investments, water conservation projects, schools and education, first responders and other essential public services.

Further, as announced recently by the Texas comptroller, elevated tax revenue driven by the oil and gas sector will give the state legislature more funding to use towards the state budget in 2023. According to the comptroller’s office, the state will have nearly $14 billion extra in funds available for general-purpose spending, money which will be used by lawmakers during the next legislative session to support legislative priorities and other important needs in Texas.

TIPRO reports that oil and gas output in Texas is projected to experience further growth in the months to come. Experts with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecast that oil production in the Permian Basin, the most nation's most prolific shale oil basin, will rise 78,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a record 5.445 million bpd in August. Oil production in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas is also expected to increase 25,000 bpd in August, reaching 1.205 million bpd. Additionally, natural gas production will rise in the Permian to record highs of 20.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), according to the EIA, and in the Eagle Ford, natural gas production will grow to 6.8 bcfd.

“As expected, the dip in May upstream employment appeared to be an anomaly, and June numbers reflect continued demand for talent and increasing exploration and production activities in the Texas oil and natural gas industry,” said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. “Recessionary fears and the potential impact of China’s draconian COVID-19 policies have continued to be offset by concerns over tight oil supplies, but we are seeing these market forces impact WTI futures. Demand will continue to outpace global supply this year, but we can expect increasing levels of volatility in the months ahead due to these and other factors, including geopolitical conflicts and growing unrest over the escalating energy crisis in Europe,” added Longanecker.

TIPRO says the hostile federal policy environment and related rhetoric for domestic oil and natural gas production is also contributing to uncertainty in the U.S. and global markets, which could drive the cost of goods and services higher for American consumers, despite the economic dampening rate-setting efforts by the Federal Reserve Board.

“U.S. policymakers are placing undue demands on energy producers. If we want price stability, and if we want to ensure a secure domestic energy supply, we need a stable regulatory environment in the U.S,” Longanecker emphasized. “Policymakers and the current administration must stop vilifying our industry and should work collaboratively with operators to develop a coherent federal energy policy strategy, including opening federal leasing, approving permitting for energy infrastructure and again providing the regulatory certainty needed to support long-term investments that are necessary to address our own energy needs and those of our allies abroad.”

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 Austin, Texas - Today, the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) joined leading industry trade associations across the country in a letter that urges President Joe Biden and key administration officials to visit American oil and natural gas facilities ahead of the president's planned trip to the Middle East next month. The letter was co-signed by 27 trade associations and asks the president to prioritize American-made energy solutions provided by U.S. oil and natural gas resources that would benefit American families, the U.S. economy and national security. The following statement can be attributed to Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO:

"Instead of advancing anti-oil and natural gas policies targeting American businesses and related efforts that will increase our reliance on foreign sources of energy, the Biden Administration should work collaboratively with U.S. producers to develop a coherent strategy that provides the regulatory certainty needed to unleash domestic production, which is the best tool to ease inflationary pressures and correct high gasoline prices. TIPRO is proud to join forces with our allied trade associations to promote the development of our abundant oil and natural gas resources to drive economic development and energy security for our country and support for our allies abroad."

​The full letter signed by America's energy associations can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/3n9YsV0. 

Austin, Texas - While the federal government struggles to address soaring energy prices, President Joe Biden this week said he wants Congress to suspend the federal gas tax for three months, giving Americans a "gas tax holiday" that would last through the month of September. In response, the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) has issued the following statement, which can be attributed to TIPRO's President Ed Longanecker:

“American consumers are undoubtedly hurting from rising inflation and feeling the pain at the gas pump. While officials may be working in good faith to make energy more affordable for working families, there are simply more impactful policy options than lifting the gas tax being left on the table right now. To lower prices, we need long-term balance in oil and gas markets. Producers and investors need greater regulatory stability to increase domestic oil and gas production and bring more supplies online. The administration should allow more drilling on federal lands and waters, streamline federal permitting processes and accelerate infrastructure development, as well as avoid overly-burdensome regulations that threaten to discourage investment. While federal leaders claim they want to 'encourage oil companies to boost capacity and output,' the reality is the president is sending mixed messages with his policy positions and regulatory agenda. 

Further, a gas tax holiday is likely to only have a limited impact on household energy expenses, while taking significant funds away from important infrastructure projects. Instead, the president and his administration must implement policies that will expand U.S. supply to balance out the market and pull-down skyrocketing gas prices.”

Austin, Texas - Citing the latest Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) today highlighted new employment figures showing a decrease in monthly employment for the Texas upstream sector following three consecutive months of job gains this year. According to TIPRO’s analysis, direct Texas upstream employment for May 2022 totaled 188,700, a decrease of 1,400 jobs from April numbers, subject to revisions. Texas upstream employment in May 2022 represented an increase of 25,500 positions compared to May 2021, including an increase of 5,700 in oil and natural gas extraction and 19,800 jobs in the services sector.

The Houston metropolitan area, the largest region in the state for industry employment, showed a decrease of 1,600 upstream jobs last month compared to April, for a total of 64,800 direct positions, according to TIPRO. Houston metro upstream employment in May 2022 represented an increase of 7,500 jobs compared to May 2021, including an increase of 3,300 in oil and natural gas extraction and 4,200 jobs in the services sector.

TIPRO once again noted strong job posting data for upstream, midstream and downstream sectors for the month of May showing a continued demand for talent and increasing exploration and production activities in the Texas oil and natural gas industry. According to the association, there were 11,695 active unique job postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry in May of 2022.

Among the 14 specific industry sectors TIPRO uses to define the Texas oil and natural gas industry, Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations once again ranked the highest in May for unique job listings with 3,211 postings, followed by Crude Petroleum Extraction (1,625 postings) and Oil and Gas Field Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (1,188 postings). The leading three cities by total unique oil and natural gas job postings were Houston (4,051), Midland (1,228) and Odessa (528), said TIPRO. 

The top three companies ranked by unique job postings in May were Baker Hughes with 650 positions, National Oilwell Varco (635) and Weatherford International (464), according to TIPRO’s analysis. Of the top ten companies listed by unique job postings last month, five companies were in the services sector, followed by three companies in midstream and two in oil and natural gas extraction. 

Top posted industry occupations for May included heavy tractor-trailer truck drivers (462), personal service managers (285) and software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers (278). Top qualifications for unique job postings included Commercial Driver's License (556), Master of Business Administration (211) and Bachelor of Science in Business (179). When analyzing education and experience requirements for unique industry job postings last month, TIPRO reports that 38 percent required a bachelor’s degree, 36 percent a high school diploma or GED, and 28 percent had no education requirement listed. 

Despite facing a number of challenges, including workforce shortages, rising material costs and an adversarial federal policy environment, TIPRO says Texas operators are responding to the call for increased production to meet growing global demand. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), oil output in the Permian Basin is projected to increase by 84,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a record 5.316 million bpd in July. Total output in the major U.S. shale oil basins is forecasted to rise 143,000 bpd to 8.901 million bpd in July, the highest since March 2020.

TIPRO also highlights new data released from the Texas Comptroller’s office showing record levels of severance taxes paid by Texas oil and natural gas producers. In April, Texas oil producers paid a record $666 million to the state in oil production taxes, the highest amount in history, representing a 99 percent increase from April 2021. In May, oil producers paid $595 million in taxes, an increase of 64 percent from May 2021. Natural gas producers also paid $413 million in taxes in May, the highest monthly total on record, up 216 percent from May 2021. With three months left in the current fiscal year, the industry has already contributed a record $4.48 billion in taxes. TIPRO says this critical source of revenue supports all aspects of the state economy, including schools and education, transportation infrastructure and first responders, to name a few.

“Texas upstream employment figures show a decline in May, following three months of significant growth this year, but job postings remain strong for the Texas oil and natural gas industry as companies continue to increase exploration and production activity in the state of Texas,” said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. “The decrease in industry employment last month could be an anomaly and subject to further revisions or could also be attributable to workforce shortages facing many companies as they compete to fill open positions in a tight labor market. Regardless, we project continued employment growth for this sector in the coming months, and this data once again illustrates the enormous economic contributions made by the Texas oil and natural gas industry. Instead of proposing anti-American energy policies, federal elected officials should work collaboratively with U.S. producers and develop a coherent strategy to unleash domestic production, including lifting restrictions on federal lands and waters, accelerating LNG exports and approving pending LNG applications. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) should also end efforts to overstep its permitting authority, which will not only further delay currently proposed infrastructure projects, but also stymie billions of dollars in economic investments and drive energy prices up further,” concluded Longanecker.