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.

AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) was appointed to the House Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety by House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) today.

“I can think of nothing more important than the health and safety of Texas children,” Landgraf said. “No Texas parent, student or teacher should have to worry about our public schools being safe. I appreciate Speaker’s Phelan’s leadership on this most important matter and look forward to working with Chairman Lozano and my fellow committee members to find constitutional solutions that will make Texas classrooms a safe place.”

Six additional House members were appointed to the Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety – five of whom represent cities that have experienced a mass shooting in recent years. Speaker Phelan also issued a series of joint charges to the Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety and Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee. The following members received appointments to the expanded committee:

- Rep. Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood, represents Santa Fe)
- Rep. Mary Gonzalez (D-El Paso)
- Rep. Tracy King (D-Uvalde)
- Rep. John Kuempel (R-Seguin, represents Sutherland Springs)
- Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa)

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan today also established the Investigative Committee on the Robb Elementary Shooting to conduct an examination into the circumstances surrounding the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The investigative committee, which possesses the power of subpoena and is authorized to conduct depositions and initiate discovery, has been tasked with collecting and analyzing evidence from law enforcement, making comprehensive findings, and reporting its conclusions as soon as possible to help inform the work of the House.

To view the joint charges for the Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety and the House Homeland & Public Safety Committee, click here:
https://house.texas.gov/_media/pdf/JOINT-CHARGES-ON-MASS-VIOLENCE-PREVENTION-AND-COMMUNITY-SAFETY.pdf

To view the amended proclamation for the Select Committee on Youth Health & Safety, click here:
https://house.texas.gov/_media/pdf/PROCLAMATION-House-Select-Committee-on-Youth-Health-and-Safety-Amendment.pdf

To view the proclamation authorizing the creation of the Investigative Committee on the Robb Elementary Shooting, click here:
https://house.texas.gov/_media/pdf/PROCLAMATION-Robb-Investigative-Cmte.pdf

It’s that time of the year when tax appraisals have arrived. I’ve heard the concerns of so many West Texans when they saw the huge increase in their tax appraisal and I can tell you Shelby and I had the same experience. Seeing how much the appraised value of our home increased this year was a surprise.

But here is what’s important to know: a dramatic increase in your property appraisal does not mean your property tax bill will also increase dramatically. 

Yes, you read that right. The sticker shock from the tax appraisal you recently received likely won’t lead to the same sticker shock on your property tax bill.

I understand that might be hard to believe, so allow me to clear things up and provide some information you can hang your hat on. 

First, it is important to understand how your property tax bill is calculated. Your property tax bill is made up of two parts: the appraised value and tax rate applied by each local taxing entity. County appraisal districts appraise each property tract in the county, and taxing entities, like your local school district, city or county, for example, set the property tax rates. 

Your property tax bill – the revenue collected by local taxing entities – is calculated by multiplying the appraised value of your property by the entity’s tax rate. Below is the simple formula:

Appraised Value x Tax Rates = Your Property Tax Bill

With that understanding, here is something further to consider: the state does not levy or collect property tax rates. On the state level, however, my fellow lawmakers and I do set the ground rules that local governments in Texas must follow as they levy and collect property taxes. One of the largest property tax reforms in Texas History was enacted in 2019, and is known as SB 2.

I worked tirelessly to pass this bill into law which prohibits school districts from increasing REVENUE collected from property taxpayers by more than 2.5% from year to year without getting approval from voters. Similarly, city and county governments cannot increase REVENUE collected from property taxpayers by more than 3.5% without voter approval.

In other words, this state law will require local taxing entities (county, city, school district, etc.)  to either: REDUCE TAX RATES substantially to offset the increased property appraisals, or else get specific permission from the voters to allow a large tax hike.

Simply put, YOU the voter, are empowered.

I want to be fully transparent. This doesn’t mean that your property tax bill won’t increase, it just means that it will not be nearly as bad as you might fear based strictly on your valuation. Also, know that the 2.5% and 3.5% thresholds are based on the total revenue collected across the county or city, it’s not based on individual properties. That means that some property taxpayers may cross the threshold while the taxing entities remain under it, thereby avoiding a vote on the rate.

Nonetheless, the release of appraisal values is just the first step in a five-month process and there are opportunities along the way to use your voice.

If you are dissatisfied with your appraised value or if errors exist in the appraisal records regarding your property, you can file a Notice of Protest with the appraisal review board (ARB). While it’s likely that by this time the deadline to file a protest this year has passed, it is an important tool you should be aware of.

Furthermore, each taxing entity will have public hearings (usually in the late summer) to discuss tax rate settings, and you have the opportunity to participate in that process and voice your concerns. Local officials need to hear from us on local tax and government issues, just like I need to hear from you on state issues. The adoption of rates will happen in conjunction with the adoption of budgets in late summer/early fall.

I hope this gives you comfort that your property tax bill may not be as high as you were thinking. Remember that you are empowered throughout this process.

God bless Texas!

Brooks Landgraf

WINK — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) joined Winkler County Judge Charles M. Wolf on Tuesday to celebrate the Winkler County Airport for receiving the state’s 2022 Most Improved Airport Award.

“Achievements like this are not possible without hard work and determination, something we have in spades out here in Winkler County,” Landgraf said. “Judge Wolf, members of the commissioners court and Winkler County employees are doing the work that needs to be done, making investments in their community with future generations in mind. It’s an honor to work alongside dedicated elected officials like Judge Wolf who truly care about serving their constituents and improving quality of life.”

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) presents the Most Improved Airport Award annually to the airport that has seen the most significant improvements thanks to local efforts and initiatives. Over the last five years, the Winkler County Airport has been transformed with renovation work on the terminal building, including a new AC system, complete roof replacement, and repairs to electrical and sanitation systems. Winkler County has invested more than $2 million to achieve these improvements.

“I’m grateful to receive this award from the state and appreciate TxDOT for recognizing the good work that has been done on our airport in recent years,” Winkler County Judge Wolf said. “We’ve made it a priority to improve our transportation infrastructure across the board here in Winkler County so that we can continue to be a hub for the state’s robust oil and gas industry long into the future.”

The Winkler County Airport started as a dirt runway before becoming a military training base during World War II. The airport is a key piece of the region’s infrastructure, serving as a landing spot for aircraft traveling from across the country, including the military and international businesses. Winkler County is uniquely situated near the center of the Permian Basin – the world’s most productive oilfield.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) has been endorsed for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives by the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA) Political Action Committee.

“As state representative, I swore an oath to preserve and protect the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution,” Landgraf said. “I take that oath seriously, and have endeavored to take every opportunity to defend the constitutional rights of Texans as a result. It’s an honor to have TSRA’s endorsement based on my work to preserve and protect Second Amendment rights here in Texas.”

TSRA is considered the premier firearms association in Texas, with tens of thousands of members from across the state, including individuals from all walks of life who have a common goal in protecting the rights of the law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. The TSRA Political Action Committee works to educate elected officials, the media, and the general public about issues relating to the freedoms guaranteed by the Second Amendment and the Texas Constitution.

“Representative Landgraf has fought for the Second Amendment rights of Texans since the moment he first took the oath of office,” TSRA executive director Dianna Greenwood said. “He’s a leader in the Texas House, especially when it comes to the constitutional rights of Texans. TSRA is proud to endorse Representative Landgraf for re-election knowing full well he will continue to defend our constitutional right to bear arms in Texas.”

During the 2021 Texas legislative session, Landgraf supported efforts to expand the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Texans by co-authoring House Bill 2622 to make Texas a Second Amendment sanctuary state and supported House Bill 1927, also known as “Constitutional Carry.” Both bills were signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.

“I’ll continue standing strong for the right of law-abiding Texans to be able to defend themselves and protect their families,” Landgraf continued. “Texas now has some of the strongest 2A protections in the nation. I’m proud to live in a state where freedom and personal responsibility are prioritized, and I’ll keep working hard to make sure it stays that way.”

In addition to being endorsed by the TSRA PAC, Landgraf has also secured an “A” rating and endorsement from the National Rifle Association (NRA) for the 2022 primary and general elections. Landgraf is the only candidate in his race with those distinctions.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) has been endorsed for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives by the Texas Oil & Gas Association Good Government Committee, the Texas Alliance Oil & Gas Political Action Committee and the Oil & Gas Workers Association.

“Born and raised in the Permian Basin, I have a deep understanding and appreciation for the importance of the Texas oil and gas industry,” Landgraf said. “As I’ve said many times before, the Permian Basin is the goose that lays the golden egg for Texas. I’m blessed to be able to call the oil patch home and I’ll keep fighting to protect Texas energy jobs no matter what.”

Landgraf was appointed chairman of the powerful House Environmental Regulation Committee in 2021. As chairman, Landgraf killed Green New Deal legislation that would harm the Texas oil and gas industry, refusing to allow any such bill to get a hearing or pass out of his committee.

Landgraf also authored and passed House Bill 4472 to allow industry and innovation to flourish without the threat of shutdown from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Clean Air Activism–policy that allows Texas to balance its environment and economy in a way that’s beneficial to both.

“Those on the left are cutting off their nose to spite their face by attempting to phase out oil and gas production in the name of the environment,” Landgraf continued. “I will not stand idly by as our state and nation are made weaker and more dependent on foreign powers. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander: strengthening the Permian Basin oil and gas industry is in the best interest of the Great State of Texas and the United States of America. Period.”

In addition to passing HB 4472 and killing Green New Deal bills in 2021, Landgraf filed HB 1683 to prohibit any state resources from being used to implement or enforce new federal oil and gas regulations that are not already on the books. HB 1683 passed out of the Texas House of Representatives by a vote of 110 to 33, but failed to pass out of the Senate before the conclusion of the regular session. Landgraf is committed to refiling the legislation in 2023. 

“Energy independence is within our grasp, and we owe it to everyone from our Founding Fathers to future generations yet unborn to achieve this goal. I’ll keep my nose to the grindstone, using that work ethic I learned growing up in dusty, hot West Texas to protect Permian Basin jobs and secure energy independence for our children’s children,” Landgraf concluded.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) has been endorsed for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives by Texas Alliance for Life.

“Like most West Texans, I believe that every human life is a gift from God, and I’m unapologetically pro-life,” Landgraf said. “I’m thankful Texas Alliance for Life is part of the fight to protect the unborn in Texas and I’m proud to have their pro-life endorsement.”

Texas Alliance for Life is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting the fundamental right to life of all innocent human beings and to promoting respect for their value and dignity from the moment of conception until natural death. Dr. Joe Pojman is the founder and executive director of Texas Alliance for Life.

“State Representative Brooks Landgraf has been a champion for the unborn during his service to the state as a member of the Texas House of Representatives,” Dr. Pojman said. “His voting record speaks for itself, a man of faith and principle, Rep. Landgraf is someone we are proud to endorse in the 2022 primary and general elections. Texas needs more leaders like Brooks Landgraf.”

During the 2021 Texas legislative session, Landgraf supported several successful efforts to advance pro-life legislation including Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Heartbeat Act. SB 8, which Landgraf co-sponsored, prohibits abortions from being performed or induced after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, protecting unborn babies from abortion. Landgraf also co-authored House Bill 1280 in 2021, which completely protects unborn babies from abortion if the Supreme Court overturns critical Supreme Court cases Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. SB 8 and HB 1280 both passed and were signed into law by Governor Abbott. 

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done to protect the unborn in Texas,” Landgraf continued. “I’ll continue to work hard to see that any legislation that promotes life and protects the unborn is passed into law. That means protecting babies, of course, but also protecting mothers. I’m committed to doing what it takes to make Texas the best place to live, work and raise a family in the 21st century.”

In addition to aiding in the passage of HB 1280 and SB 8 in 2021, Landgraf filed and passed House Bill 902 in 2019, which increased the penalty for assaults against pregnant women to a third-degree felony to reflect that such a heinous act is a crime against both the mother and her unborn child. Prior to the passage of HB 902, assaults against pregnant women were treated like any other assault. During his time as state representative, Landgraf has also worked to provide additional funding for the state’s Alternatives to Abortion program, most recently supporting efforts to increase funding for the program by 25% to $100 million in the state budget for 2022-2023.

ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) has been endorsed for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives by Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis.

“Sheriff Griffs is dedicated to his community and serious about public safety,” Landgraf said. “It’s an honor to have his trust and confidence. I’ve supported law enforcement officers throughout my time as state representative, so I feel like I’m doing a good job when the county’s number one law man endorses me.”

During the 2021 legislative session, Landgraf filed House Bill 523 to allow county sheriffs in his district to be able to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards. This legislation was requested by sheriffs in Landgraf’s district, where heavy truck traffic from the energy industry brings both prosperity and public safety challenges to the region. County sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in the counties of Andrews, Ector, Ward, and Winkler are now eligible to apply for certification to enforce commercial motor vehicle safety standards thanks to Landgraf’s work in 2021.

“Representative Landgraf is a man of his word,” Sheriff Griffis said. “He walks the walk and talks the talk. He doesn’t just say he supports law enforcement, he takes action. He is the best man to represent our community in the Texas House.”

In addition to Sheriff Griffis’ endorsement, Landgraf has been endorsed for re-election by Ward County Sheriff Frarin Valle, Winkler County Sheriff Darin Mitchell and Andrews County Sheriff Rusty Stewart, meaning he has the support of every sheriff in his West Texas district.

“He’s a man of action, he gets things done and truly cares about law enforcement and doing what he can to keep people safe. He’s Permian Basin homegrown, and it shows. I know he has our back,” Ward County Sheriff Valle said of Landgraf. 

“Landgraf picks up the phone when I call and always acts fast to ensure we have everything we need from the state. We have a strong working relationship and a strong voice in the Texas House,” Winkler County Sheriff Mitchell said.

“Andrews County is thankful to have a state representative who is willing to go to bat for us. We have been well-represented by Representative Landgraf,” Andrews County Sheriff Stewart said.

Landgraf has also been endorsed for re-election in 2022 by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) and the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA). In addition to authoring HB 523 and sponsoring SB 901 to support local law enforcement during the 87th Texas Legislative Session in 2021, Landgraf co-authored House Bill 1900 to penalize cities that try to defund their police departments. The bill eventually passed, going into effect on September 1, 2021.

Pictured from left to right: Andrews County Sheriff Stewart, Ector County Sheriff Griffis, Rep. Landgraf, Winkler County Sheriff Mitchell, Ward County Sheriff Valle