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Originally Published in the Odessa American on June 3, 2025

U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, and members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce held a news conference following a visit to a frac site in Midland.

Members in attendance included Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie and Energy and Commerce members Pfluger, Rick Allen, Russell Fry, Randy Weber, Nick Langworthy, and Craig Goldman.

“It was an honor to partner with Chairman Guthrie to bring members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to the Permian Basin for an impactful and informative visit to see firsthand the region that powers the world. I am working tirelessly in Congress — alongside my fellow members on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in partnership with the energy sector — to support reliable baseload power. Natural gas is essential to securing our electric grid, and I am committed to protecting it to strengthen America’s energy future,” Pfluger said.

“Today we saw firsthand the critical work being done to power our country. We’re in a race with China to lead in AI, and winning that race will require reliable, affordable energy. Oil, natural gas, and nuclear power are key to that effort, I’m grateful to our members who are driving solutions to bring more power online and meet America’s growing energy demands,” said Guthrie.

Allen said he was grateful to his friends Pfluger and Guthrie, for hosting the group in West Texas.

“As the highest-producing oil field in the nation, the Permian Basin will be critical to fulfilling House Republicans’ and President Trump’s all-of-the-above energy agenda. The days of hampering and decrying our domestic energy producers are long over,” Allen said.

Fry said it was incredible to visit Midland, a powerhouse for oil and natural gas “and see firsthand what American energy dominance looks like. The innovation and infrastructure behind our domestic energy production serves as a reminder why energy independence must continue to be a priority.”

Langworthy said it was an honor to join his Energy and Commerce colleagues in Midland as they saw the incredible potential of American energy firsthand.

“Site visits like this reinforce our commitment to unleashing that potential, cutting red tape, and standing up for American workers and energy independence. Thank you to Congressman Pfluger for hosting us and showcasing the strength and promise of his district,” Langworthy said.

Weber said it was always great to be in Midland where the heartbeat of American energy is alive and well.

“The folks here are on the frontlines of helping our nation achieve true energy independence. In Texas’ 14th Congressional District, which I proudly represent, we value the hard work happening right here in Midland, and we’re proud of the partnership that keeps that sweet Texas crude flowing down to the refineries on the Gulf Coast. It’s Texas energy powering America, and we’re just getting started under President Trump’s leadership,” Weber said.