Here in Texas, energy is our bread and butter. Texas workers, like my friends, family, and neighbors here along the Ship Channel, work tough jobs to make Texas the energy capital of the world. We’ve even got our own electric grid to boot!
Energy jobs put food on the table, pay the mortgage, and keep our communities strong.
Whether it’s running our refineries, moving goods through our ports, powering manufacturing lines, or supporting data centers and AI systems, energy keeps Texas families working and our technology advancing. When our energy economy is strong, every corner of Texas benefits. More jobs. More small businesses. More dollars flowing through our local communities. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats.
Good-paying jobs and state revenue are just the start. Energy dominance means more affordable bills at home, more reliable electricity when storms hit, and more security against foreign countries that want to defeat or control us.
By embracing growth and finding creative solutions, Texas has become a leader in both traditional energy and new frontiers like data centers, advanced manufacturing, and AI. Those investments mean new opportunities for welders, operators, electricians, truck drivers, contractors, and business owners right here in our communities.
But we can’t take our foot off the gas. To keep our momentum, we must prepare now for the future needs of Texans. That means strengthening and weatherizing our grid so the lights stay on when we need them most, and modernizing it to handle the influx of families and businesses moving to Texas every day to enjoy our hospitality and business-friendly environment. These upgrades will keep electricity reliable and bills stable, so Texans aren’t forced to pay more out of their hard-earned checks.
At the same time, we must never forget the global stakes. China is racing to dominate AI, machine learning, and advanced technologies. The work being done here in Texas, powered by our abundant energy and the skill of our workforce, is actively thwarting China’s agenda. Every refinery built, every port expansion, and every new data center and advanced manufacturing plant fueled by Texas energy is another victory for America over China.
Energy is the foundation of our way of life. It creates jobs, powers industry, and keeps our communities safe and affordable. Thanks to the investments of yesterday and the hard work of today, Texas will remain the energy capital of the world for years to come, and Texans will be the ones leading the way.