MIDLAND, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott is lashing out against what he called a hostile attack launched from Washington, D.C. against the oil and gas industry.
During a roundtable energy discussion in Midland, the governor said the Biden administration's plan to impose new limits on oil and gas exploration would be a job killer for Texas.
The governor says Texas is ready to use the courts to fight any Biden administration efforts that Abbott says would threaten energy sector jobs.
To underscore that statement, the governor signed an executive order that orders every state agency to use all lawful powers to fight anything that challenges the energy industry in Texas.
Abbott says hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in taxes and royalties are at stake.
He says regulatory overreach would not only damage the state's economy, but would also have a national impact.
The governor also spoke out against what he called the Biden administration's embracing of Green New Deal policies.
Abbott also warned that some state and local governments are also acting to derail the oil and gas industry.
He cited a ban in San Francisco on natural gas in new buildings.
Abbott said the state will not allow any Texas city to use what he called "political correctness" to dictate what energy source can be used.
He says he would support any legislation that prohibits cities and counties from banning the use of natural gas in homes.
The governor said there will be no Green New Deal policy in Texas and he will veto any such legislation that comes to his desk.
