TPA Releases Updated Study Showing The Enormous Economic Benefits Of Texas Pipelines

AUSTIN, Texas – Through ongoing operations and construction in 2019 alone, the Texas oil and gas pipeline industry provided more than $48.6 billion in economic impact, supported more than 238,000 high-paying jobs, contributed an additional $29.3 billion in additional gross state product, and injected more than $2.7 billion in state and local government revenues, according to a newly released updated study conducted by the Center for Energy Commerce at Texas Tech University and commissioned by the Texas Pipeline Association (TPA).

The study also found that of those state and local revenues, a typical Texas county receives an estimated $12,350 in property taxes per year for each mile of pipeline located in the county.

“Texas pipelines are an essential component of our energy infrastructure,” said Thure Cannon, president of TPA. “It is clear from this Update to the Economic Impacts of the Texas Oil and Gas Pipeline Industry study that pipelines deliver the robust economic benefits that come from the continued growth and expansion of the oil and gas industry. And, with Texas as one of the fastest growing states in the nation, now more than ever we need pipelines to deliver the hydrocarbons that are used to make the more than 6,000 petroleum byproducts we rely on every day, including fertilizer, flooring, perfume, vitamins, soap, clothing and so much more.”

The study also shows that over the next 40 years, the jobs impact attributable to the Texas pipeline industry will reach more than 492,000. In addition, the industry is projected to generate cumulative economic impacts of:

• $1.49 trillion in economic output;
• $903 billion in additional gross state product; and
• $84 billion in state and local government revenues.

*in today’s dollars

Additionally, over the next 40 years, the cumulative property tax revenues generated per mile of pipeline for a typical Texas county is $380,000 (in today’s dollars).

Even with the changes in prices and industry cycles experienced over the last several years, the innovations and discoveries in both plays and technologies have given rise to increased production of oil and gas and have led to additional demands on the pipeline system.

“The activities of the Texas pipeline industry, which include the transportation of hydrocarbons from sources of exploration and production to refineries and end-users, are one vital component of the substantial job creation, investment and overall economic growth of the state’s economy,” said Bradley Ewing, PhD, who holds the McLaughlin Endowed Chair of Free Enterprise and is Professor of Energy Commerce in the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. “Provided that the pipeline industry maintains effective transportation capabilities, it will continue to generate economic benefits that will likely impact Texas for years to come.”

Other highlights of the study include:

• Since the original Texas Tech TPA-commissioned economic impact study, which focused on 2013 figures, the Texas pipeline industry’s total output impact from operations and construction has increased by 47 percent, total employment by 40 percent, and state and local government revenues by 68 percent
• Pipeline mileage in Texas increased 13.16 percent from 2013 – 2019, with an average annual growth rate of 2.08 percent
• The number of employees in Texas whose employment is directly related to pipeline transportation increased by 2.68 percent per year from 2013 – 2019
• The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) in 2013 was $98.97/bbl and $57/bbl in 2019; with the price of natural gas (Henry Hub) at $3.73 in 2013 and $2.56 in 2019 per million BTU
• Texas rig count was 843 at the end of the year in 2013 and 406 at the end of 2019
• Texas Real Gross Domestic Product grew at an annual rate of 3.35 percent from 2013 – 2019
• The value added to Texas Real Gross Domestic Product accounted for by the economic impact generated from the Texas pipeline industry was 1.2 percent in 2013 and over 1.6 percent in 2019

Visit the Update to the Economic Impacts of the Texas Oil and Gas Pipeline Industry study online for more information.

ABOUT TPA

Texas Pipeline Association (TPA), the largest state trade association in the country representing solely the interests of the intrastate pipeline network, is the primary resource for information regarding the Texas pipeline industry. TPA provides advocacy on issues related to pipeline safety, environmental regulations, taxation and legislation. Member companies and their representatives commit to conducting their business in accordance with integrity, honest communication, fair right-of-way acquisition, respectful construction and safe operations. Visit TPA at texaspipelines.com