Yes, it’s true! The green energy sector now employs more West Texans than oil and gas combined. Texas remains America’s top producer of oil and gas, with the majority of that coming from the Permian Basin, a huge part of which is in District 11, our district. According to Texas 2036, a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy research organization, Texas currently accounts for 42% of U.S. oil production, 27% of natural gas production, 22% of wind energy generation, and 17% of solar energy production. I am a progressive Democrat who believes that climate change is real, but let me be frank: I will not endanger the jobs of the people in my district. Period. 

However, my interest is in protecting the jobs of my constituents, not catering to the oil and gas billionaires. This means that oil and gas executives (all happily funding the current District 11 Representative) are going to tell you that I’m dangerous and will push for a bunch of impractical regulations that will endanger your jobs. This is a lie. 

Am I concerned about the use of fossil fuels? Absolutely–for a variety of reasons. The fact is that not only is our heavy reliance on fossil fuels certainly contributing to climate change, but they will run out, and sooner than you think. The industry’s refusal to acknowledge that last part is what always blows my mind. I was a Girl Scout as a kid, and our motto was “Be Prepared.” Just because something won’t happen tomorrow doesn’t mean we don’t prepare for it today. Increasing production of alternative energies will bring more jobs–and jobs that will still be around for generations to come!