Staples: Texas oil and gas companies committed to reducing emissions
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HARLINGEN, RGV - Texas oil and gas companies are committed to reducing emissions and helping to improve the world\\u2019s climate.\\xa0
That is the view of Todd Staples. The president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association held a conference call with reporters on Tuesday to announce that the industry paid a record amount in local taxes and state royalties in 2019.
\\u201cI think Texas is at risk if we don\\u2019t have a very real, factual-based, conversation about our climate; about our environment and about the progress that needs to be made,\\u201d Staples said.
\\u201cI think Texas-based oil and natural gas companies are committed to making climate progress. They are committed to a lower emissions future. They are leading the way in investment and technology.\\u201d
Noting that Texas is a global energy leader, Staples said members of his organization are \\u201cchampions\\u201d when it comes to carbon capture and sequestration, arguing that they have established lead detection and repair protocols that they are sharing with other companies.\\xa0
\\u201cOur companies have invested heavily in improved sensors and monitoring overall. We know that refining technologies have made our fuels more than 99 percent cleaner than they were just a few decades ago. We are extremely proud of the environmental progress.\\u201d
Editor's Note: This podcast features the Q&A Staples held with reporters on Jan. 14, 2020, including new data on the amount of sales taxes and royalty payments Texas oil and gas companies pay to state and local governments.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.
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