Since oil was first commercially drilled in Nacogdoches County in 1866, it has played a vital role in the Texas economy. It’s estimated that Texas has approximately 8 billion barrels of oil reserves, much of which are still waiting to be tapped. As the #1 oil and gas producer in the United States, Texas thrives as an energy leader, providing fuel to the rest of the country and jobs for its own residents. The Texas oil and gas industry employs over 315,000 Texans, while also stimulating job growth in tangential sectors including manufacturing, refining, and infrastructure. In addition to providing high-paying jobs, the oil and gas sector also pays billions in taxes that go towards funding schools and children’s welfare programs.

Oil and gas is an essential piece of the Texas economy, yet in recent years the industry has been attacked over environmental concerns and controversial practices like fracking. Keep Texas Working exists to educate the public on the benefits of the oil and gas industry and to correct wrong assumptions about fracking and other issues. We recognize that oil and gas is vital to the Texas economy and want to fight to Keep Texas Working!