Texas energy leaders are applauding the U.S. House budget reconciliation package for including measures they say mark a significant pivot back toward pro-production energy policy. After years of uncertainty caused by shifting tariffs and federal regulations, industry voices are calling the package a major step in the right direction.
The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) says the energy sections of the budget represent “a commitment to reversing Biden-era policies” and removing market disincentives. These reforms include expanding federal fossil fuel leasing, cutting royalty rates, simplifying permitting, and delaying costly methane reduction programs.
The package, described by President Donald Trump as one “big, beautiful bill,” prioritizes American energy independence and removes green energy subsidies established under the Inflation Reduction Act. House Republicans aim to restore quarterly lease sales, generate an estimated $12 billion in federal revenue, and bolster domestic infrastructure by approving LNG ports and oil pipelines.
Included are requirements for at least 30 lease sales over 15 years on federal land and in the Gulf of Mexico, six lease sales in Alaska’s Cook Inlet, and renewed leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
TIPRO points to lingering uncertainty created by earlier Trump-era tariffs on steel and aluminum and encouragement of OPEC+ production that depressed domestic output. Now, however, the focus is returning to domestic growth.
Texas Oil & Gas Association President Todd Staples emphasized the stakes: “If Texas is going to continue to benefit from oil and natural gas activity, we need sound policies that keep our state competitive.”
With global energy demand projected to surge, industry leaders say America’s energy dominance depends on regulatory stability and removing barriers that have throttled domestic exploration.
