Texas Governor Greg Abbott Signs Legislation Supporting Natural Gas

Austin, Texas – Today, Governor of Texas Greg Abbott signed legislation that will preserve the right of Texans to have access to energy choices, including natural gas. House Bill 17 amends the Utilities Code to prevent Texas cities and towns from banning natural gas hookups or incentivizing a particular type of utility connection in new construction. The Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) has supported this legislation since its inception. The following statement can be attributed to Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO:

“TIPRO commends Governor Abbott for signing House Bill 17 and supporting consumer choice. A growing number of cities across the country are restricting or banning natural gas hookups in new buildings and construction, with some cities in Texas considering similar proposals. House Bill 17 will preempt local measures from restricting or banning utility service based on the type or source of energy that will be delivered in order to preserve customer choice and allow Texans the opportunity to decide how to meet their own energy needs. Affordable energy is the backbone of the Texas economy, and House Bill 17 will ensure households and businesses can continue to benefit from all of our state’s abundant resources.” 

The Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) is a trade association representing the interests of nearly 3,000 independent oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners throughout Texas. As one of the nation’s largest statewide associations representing both independent producers and royalty owners, members include small businesses, the largest, publicly-traded independent producers, and mineral owners, estates, and trusts. TIPRO membership provides networking and educational forums, marketing opportunities, industry intelligence, and extensive legislative and regulatory resources.