AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) filed House Bill 2374 to ensure gasoline and diesel powered engines can never be outlawed by local governments in the state of Texas.

“For years now, more than a thousand people a day have been moving to Texas,” Landgraf said. “Americans are fleeing the coasts to live here in the liberty-loving Lone Star State. And while we welcome the opportunities that growth brings, the last thing anyone wants is for pockets of Texas to start looking like San Francisco or Los Angeles. That’s why I filed HB 2374, to make sure that no big city politicians are able to California our Texas.”

HB 2374 prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing any rule or ordinance that would limit access to gasoline, diesel, or any other fuel source. The bill prohibits gas stations from being banned as well as any other related wholesaler, retailer, energy producer, or infrastructure necessary to provide access to a specific energy source. HB 2374 also ensures that local governments cannot directly or indirectly prohibit or restrict the use, sale, or lease of an engine based on its fuel source.

“I’m committed to defending the rights and liberties of every Texan, especially the hard-working West Texans who elected me to be their voice in the Texas House,” Landgraf said. “West Texas might be the last place on earth where someone might try to ban gasoline-power engines, but many who live and work in some large Texas cities are seeing the engine ban train coming down the tracks to the detriment of their families and businesses. HB 2374 will serve as bulwark against politicians who want to undermine the individual liberties of Texans.”

It was recently announced that the Dallas city council is planning to phase out the use of gas-powered tools by 2027. The state of California is banning all small-gas powered engines by 2024, with some communities outlawing gas stations altogether.

Landgraf and the other members of the Texas legislature convened at the Texas Capitol building for the 88th Texas Legislative Session on January 10, 2023. Members of the Texas House and Texas Senate meet for a 140-day regular session beginning the second Tuesday in January every odd-numbered year to vote on legislation and pass a balanced state budget.

AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) filed House Joint Resolution 111 and House Bill 2207 to establish the Texas Severance Tax Revenue and Oil and Natural Gas (STRONG) Defense Fund to address critical needs in major energy producing areas of the Lone Star State, including the Permian Basin.

“Oilfield communities produce abundant energy, but they’re not always the best place to raise a family,” Landgraf said. “My Texas STRONG plan will keep more of the state taxes generated in the oilpatch invested in the schools, colleges, health care institutions and first responders that serve our underserved energy-producing communities.”

Here’s how it works: The state of Texas taxes the production of oil and natural gas. These “severance tax” collections hit record levels in 2022, totaling $10.8 billion. Most of these tax dollars end up in the state’s “rainy day fund,” but that fund is projected to reach its capacity in 2025. Rather than adding to the overflowing rainy day fund, Landgraf’s Texas STRONG Fund would simply collect the excess revenue and use it to fund basic functions that improve the quality of life for the workers (and their families) who generate the money in the first place.

Landgraf’s legislation also dedicates portions of the severance taxes collected by the state to be used for property tax relief across Texas and accounts used to clean up Texas air and groundwater contamination.

In 2022, 32 out of 254 Texas counties generated 90% of the state’s severance tax revenue, sending more than $9 billion to the state coffers. These same 32 counties – most of which are located in the Permian Basin – have accounted for 80% of collections since 2014 for a total of just under $40 billion.

“American energy independence is so close we can almost taste it,” Landgraf said. “In recent years we have taken two steps forward and one step back: forward as new technologies and best practices have allowed Texas oil and natural gas production to become cleaner and more efficient than ever before; back as virtue signaling from coastal elites has resulted in a loss of private and public investment in reliable forms of energy. As Texans, we are deeply aware of the importance of oil and gas, not only as it relates to jobs in the Permian Basin, Houston and everywhere in between, but also when it comes to balancing our state’s budget. The Texas STRONG Defense Fund will ensure that Texas lives according to the maxim of ‘Dance with the one who brung ya.’ A way for Texas and the United States to forever be a global force for good and the advancement of freedom.”

House Joint Resolution 111 and House Bill 2207 would amend the Texas Constitution and state law to create the Texas Severance Tax Revenue and Oil and Natural Gas (STRONG) Defense Fund. According to the provisions of the legislation, the Texas STRONG Defense Fund would receive a portion of severance tax revenue for the purpose of supporting transportation infrastructure, workforce and economic development, public education, healthcare, and public safety needs in regions of the state with the highest oil and gas production.

HJR 111 must receive support from two-thirds of the House and Senate to pass, along with a majority of Texas voters in the November 2023 Constitutional amendment election. HB 2207 requires a simple majority vote in each chamber and the governor’s signature in order to pass into law. If successful, the measure would result in hundreds of millions of dollars being available for energy-producing communities as early as next year.

Landgraf and the other members of the Texas legislature convened at the Texas Capitol building for the 88th Texas Legislative Session on January 10, 2023. Members of the Texas House and Texas Senate meet for a 140-day regular session beginning the second Tuesday in January every odd-numbered year to vote on legislation and pass a balanced state budget.

AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) has been selected the chair to lead the powerful Texas House Committee on Environmental Regulation. Chairman Landgraf was also re-appointed to serve on four other pivotal House committees.

“I’m thankful to Speaker Phelan for these appointments and I am honored to serve as chair of the Environmental Regulation Committee, which is especially significant to West Texas,” Landgraf said. “I am thankful Speaker Phelan fights for Permian Basin energy and the best interest of Texas. I’m excited to get to work and to deliver results for my fellow West Texans and our great Lone Star State this legislative session.”

Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) announced the chairmanship and committee assignments Wednesday afternoon. In addition to his chairmanship, Landgraf was appointed to serve on the Transportation Committee, Redistricting Committee, House Administration Committee, and the Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety.

The House Committee on Environmental Regulation has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to air, land, and water pollution, industrial development, and environmental matters that are regulated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

“This is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I will take full advantage of the opportunity to continue ensuring Texas industry can thrive while maintaining a pristine environment for future generations of Texans,” Landgraf said. “I am laser-focused on fighting for the needs of my home region of the Permian Basin and our great state. My commitment to fulfill my sacred oath and represent my fellow West Texans is unwavering. I will relentlessly work and keep burning the candle at both ends to ensure the voices of West Texans are heard loud and clear in the halls of the Texas state capitol.”

Earlier this year, it was announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) planned to back off of its intent to indirectly restrict Texas oil and natural gas production through a non-attainment designation of portions of the Texas Permian Basin. The announcement came after Landgraf, as well as Speaker Phelan and Governor Greg Abbott, spent months calling for the EPA to reconsider, making special note that any dip in clean production in Texas would result in an increase in production in regions of the world that do not prioritize safety or the environment.  Landgraf called the EPA’s announcement “a massive win for the Permian Basin, Texas, the United States, and anywhere else where people need energy and love freedom.” 

Prior to Landgraf’s election to the Texas House in 2014, the Odessa Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) District received around $50 million per year from the state for transportation projects. Since 2019 when Landgraf was appointed to the House Transportation Committee, that number has jumped to $360 million per year.

Landgraf and the other members of the Texas legislature convened at the Texas Capitol building for the 88th Texas Legislative Session on January 10th, 2023. As designated by the Texas Constitution, members of the Texas House and Texas Senate meet for a 140-day regular session beginning the second Tuesday in January every odd-numbered year to pass a balanced state budget and vote on legislation. 

AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) took the oath of office on Tuesday at the Texas Capitol to once again serve the Permian Basin as a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

Landgraf and the other members of the Texas legislature convened at the Texas Capitol building for the 88th Texas Legislative Session on January 10th, 2023. Members of the Texas House and Texas Senate meet for a 140-day regular session beginning the second Tuesday in January every odd-numbered year to vote on legislation and pass a balanced state budget.

“It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve as a voice for the Permian Basin in the Texas House of Representatives,” Landgraf said. “The hardworking men and women who live and work in Ector, Ward, Winkler, and Loving counties deserve to have their voices heard in their state government. I’m headed back to the state capitol to continue fighting to defend and expand their rights and liberties.”

During the next 140 days, the Texas House of Representatives, along with the Texas Senate, will consider legislation on hundreds of issues impacting the state. Lawmakers will propose bills and prioritize how to allocate the state’s record budget surplus of nearly $30 billion.

In addition to passing a balanced state budget without raising taxes, Landgraf's priorities this session include defending the oilpatch from unnecessary regulation, expanding individual liberty, increasing transparency at every level of government, and reducing the negative impact of “Robin Hood” and STAAR testing on public school students and families in West Texas. As part of his effort to expand freedom and liberty, Landgraf has filed House Bill 92 and House Joint Resolution 9, dubbed the “Texas Homesteader's Bill of Rights.”

“The Texas Homesteader’s Bill of Rights is ultimately all about fulfilling the basic governmental role protecting life and property,” Landgraf said of the legislative proposal. “Texans should not be restricted – during times of emergency or otherwise – in their ability to fend for themselves or provide for their families. My aim is to make this a constitutional right here in Texas, and to provide laws necessary to protect what I view as the basic human right of self-sufficiency.”

HJR 9 would amend the Texas Constitution to establish that Texans have the right to conduct activities on their homestead property necessary to secure access to food, water, electric power, and shelter. HB 92 prohibits municipalities, counties, and property owner's associations from enforcing ordinances that prohibit certain activities on residence homestead properties, such as growing fruits or vegetables, or installing a rainwater harvesting system or a standby electric generator.

“There are many lessons to be learned from the pandemic and 2021 winter storm, like how access to the most basic human needs -- like food and water -- cannot be guaranteed during times of widespread crisis. This lesson was learned by many Texas families, who are now seeking ways to be more self-sufficient so that they are better prepared if and when another major crisis occurs.”

“I took an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. This duty is the ultimate role of any elected official, and an oath I will diligently uphold as I continue fighting to ensure West Texas voices are heard in the chambers and halls of their state Capitol,” Landgraf concluded.

AUSTIN — An ornament designed and painted by an Odessa artist hangs in the State Capitol this Christmas season. Tabata Ayup of Odessa hand painted the ornament. Ayup’s painting captures the West Texas spirit, depicting a sunset, a blooming agave plant, a windmill, and the mythical jackalope.

"Tabata created a true work of art,” State Representative Brooks Landgraf said. "Every West Texan would be proud to see our community represented so beautifully on the Capitol Christmas tree."

Representative Brooks Landgraf and his wife Shelby Landgraf welcomed Tabata Ayup to the Capitol to help hang the ornament on the 23-foot Christmas tree that stands in the Texas House Chamber.

"I appreciate Tabata sharing her extraordinary artistic talents with the State of Texas and I’m grateful for the countless hours of work she poured into this project to represent our community so wonderfully," Shelby Landgraf said.

Fewer than 150 artists are selected each year to design an ornament to hang on the Capitol Christmas tree. Each state representative is invited to select an artist from his or her community to create an ornament that showcases what makes their Texas House District special or unique.

Thousands of holiday visitors will see the Capitol Christmas tree and admire the Odessa ornament this month. The Christmas tree and Tabata Ayup’s ornament will be on display in the Texas House of Representatives chamber through January 2, 2023.

2022 HD 81 Christmas Ornament.

Rep. Landgraf, Mrs. Landgraf and artist Tabta Ayup.

AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) filed House Bill 33 to stall the implementation of any new federal regulations on oil or natural gas production in Texas. HB 33, nicknamed the “Texas Energy Independence Act,” is the first of several pieces of legislation Landgraf plans to file during the 2023 legislative session to defend Texas energy.

“The goal of HB 33 is to ensure no Texas state taxpayer dollars or resources are used to implement any new federal regulations on oil and gas production in Texas,” Landgraf said. “The Biden Administration has Texas energy in its crosshairs, and we need to make sure that we aren’t supplying them with ammunition.”

House Bill 33 prohibits Texas state agencies and officials from contracting with or providing assistance to any federal agency or official regarding the enforcement of a federal statute, order, rule, or regulation regulating oil and gas operations if the regulation is not already existing law.

“Texas oil and gas production provides billions of dollars of tax revenue and directly or indirectly employs Texans in every corner of the state,” Landgraf continued. “We produce oil and natural gas cleaner, safer, and with more concern for human life and dignity than any other major oil producing region on earth. The Texas Energy Independence Act will help preserve the Texas economy, and, hopefully, the United States of America as a global force for good.”

Landgraf and the other members of the Texas legislature will convene for the 88th Texas Legislative Session on January 10, 2023. Members of the Texas House and Texas Senate may file bills for the 2023 legislative session as early as November 14, 2022. The Texas legislature meets at the Texas Capitol building for a 140-day regular session beginning the second Tuesday in January every odd-numbered year to vote on proposed legislation and pass a balanced state budget.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) provides the following schedule of upcoming Town Hall events in the four counties (Ector, Loving, Ward, and Winkler) he serves in the Texas House of Representatives. During these events, Rep. Landgraf will discuss the upcoming 2023 legislative session and take questions for those in attendance.

"In just two short months, the Texas legislature will convene for the 2023 session at the Texas capitol," Landgraf said. "It is my duty to serve as your voice in the Texas House of Representatives, and town hall events like these are a good way for me to hear directly from the constituents I'm sworn and honored to represent. I hope folks will come out and join us for a little community and some good conversation."

Loving County
WHEN:    Wednesday, November 9, 2022 | 6:00pm to 7:00pm
WHERE:  Loving County Courthouse Lawn
              100 Bell Street, Mentone, Texas 79754

Ward County
WHEN:    Thursday, November 10, 2022 | 6:00pm to 7:30pm
WHERE:  Ward County Event Center
              1525 East Monahans Parkway, Monahans, Texas 79756

Winkler County
WHEN:    Monday, November 14, 2022 | 6:00pm to 7:30pm
WHERE:  Winkler County Community Center
              308 Northwest 2nd Street, Wink, Texas 79789

Ector County
WHEN:    Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | 6:00 to 7:30pm
WHERE:  La Margarita
              1301 South Grant Avenue, Odessa, Texas 79761

Barstow
WHEN:    Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | 6:00 to 7:30pm
WHERE:  Barstow Community Hall
              100 Concho Street, Barstow, Texas 79719

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) and Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) spoke to a crowd of oil and gas workers in Odessa on Thursday regarding the potential non-attainment designation of portions of the Texas Permian Basin by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“The Permian Basin is on the frontlines of Biden’s war on American energy,” Speaker Phelan said. “Biden’s EPA is grasping at straws, using out-of-state data to force additional and unnecessary regulations on Texas oil and natural gas production. This will hurt the United States just as much as it will hurt Texas; impacting upstream communities here in the Permian Basin and downstream communities like my hometown of Beaumont, of course, but also daily life on the U.S. east and west coasts and everywhere in between. I’m here today to publicly take a stand and affirm that the Texas House will fight to protect the Permian Basin because it is the right thing to do for Texas, for our country, and for freedom.”

In June, citing data obtained from air quality monitors in New Mexico, the EPA announced its intention to consider redesignating the Texas portion of the Permian Basin as a “non-attainment” area – an area that does not meet the standards of the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). If finalized, this proposal would require the state implement a plan to bring the area into attainment with the NAAQS, ultimately resulting in further regulatory burdens on the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin that could slow production and reduce supply. The announced action is discretionary, meaning there is no law requiring the EPA to take this action, and that the president has the authority to stop the EPA’s rogue action.

“The EPA is acting against U.S. economic and national security interests, and, ironically, environmental interests as well,” Landgraf said. “I’m thankful Speaker Phelan is fighting for Texas energy and defending the Permian Basin. When the game is on the line, you want your best players out on the field, so I’m thankful we have the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives on our team.”

“The EPA has messed with Texas, and Texas is fighting back,” Landgraf concluded.

If President Biden does not direct the EPA to stand down, the next step of the redesignation process, according to the Clean Air Act, is a notification letter sent to the governors of Texas and New Mexico, creating the opportunity for affected states to provide feedback. The EPA then has to wait at least 240 days before a final redesignation decision can be made.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) submitted a letter to President Joseph Biden regarding the potential non-attainment designation of portions of the Texas Permian Basin by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The letter was also signed by seven other members of the Texas House who represent portions of the Permian Basin.

“We implore you to take necessary action as our nation’s chief executive to rein in the [EPA] and prevent this discretionary action from taking place,” the letter reads. “A non-attainment designation of the Permian Basin is at odds with U.S. economic and national security interests, and, ironically, environmental interests as well.”

In June, citing data obtained from air quality monitors in New Mexico, the EPA announced its intention to consider redesignating the Texas portion of the Permian Basin as a “non-attainment” area – an area that does not meet the standards of the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). If finalized, this proposal would require the state implement a plan to bring the area into attainment with the NAAQS, ultimately resulting in further regulatory burdens on the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin that could slow production and reduce supply. The announced action is discretionary, giving the president the opportunity to prevent it from ultimately going into effect.

“As chairman of the Texas House Environmental Regulation Committee and a proud life-long West Texan, I will continue to do everything in my power to protect the people who live and work in the Permian Basin,” Landgraf said. “Here in West Texas, we want to breathe fresh air just as much as anyone on the west coast, and our great state has a long history of producing energy cleaner and more efficiently than any other region on earth. The EPA is ignoring this fact in favor of a Green New Deal-inspired fantasy that will ultimately cause the downfall of our nation if commonsense and reason do not prevail. I’m thankful we’re not alone in this fight for Texas energy and American freedom, as we have support from numerous members of the Texas legislature as well as Governor Abbott and Congressman Pfluger. We’ll keep fighting for what’s best for Texas, what’s best for the U.S.A.”

If President Biden does not direct the EPA to stand down, the next step of the redesignation process according to the Clean Air Act is a notification letter sent to the governors of Texas and New Mexico, creating the opportunity for affected states to provide feedback. The EPA then has to wait at least 240 days before a final redesignation decision can be made.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) has been working around the clock to coordinate efforts to fix the major line break that has left the city of Odessa without water and provide Odessans with the life-sustaining resource until the situation is resolved.

“This is a dangerous situation when you’re talking about a city of over 100,000 people without water in 100 degree heat,” Landgraf said. “While it’s certainly frustrating that this happened at all, so far I’ve been incredibly proud of how our community has responded. I’m confident water will be restored soon.”

Landgraf is coordinating with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deliver shipments of water bottles to the city of Odessa. Landgraf has been in constant contact with city officials, hospital executives, local businesses and charities, and others to communicate directly with TDEM Chief Nim Kidd where water is needed most. Landgraf is also directly providing water to Odessa residents in need as a volunteer at the water distribution site set up by the city.

“Despite being out here in the desert, we’re better equipped to handle this situation than most communities,” Landgraf said. “We have a real sense love for our neighbors here in Odessa. We step up when times get tough and take care of each other. I’ll continue doing everything I can to keep people informed and hydrated until water is restored.”

In addition to coordinating water bottle delivery, Landgraf is receiving up-to-the-minute updates from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regarding the status of repairs and quality of the city’s water supply. TCEQ has regional staff on site to help with repairs and ensure the water is safe to drink after it is restored.

Landgraf encourages Odessans to look at the city’s Facebook page for updates on the status of the water outage, water boil notice, and the location of water distribution sites: https://www.facebook.com/cityofodessatx

Rep. Landgraf discussing Odessa water outage with TDEM Chief Nim Kidd.

Rep. Landgraf handing out water at Odessa water distribution site.