Environment Texas Urges Interior to Maintain Oil and Gas Royalty Rates

Low Royalty Rates Threaten our Coastlines

Environment Texas

AUSTIN – Earlier today, several Texas members of Congress asked the Department of the Interior to lower oil and gas royalty rates in the Gulf of Mexico in response to market downturns. Emma Pabst, Global Warming Solutions Associate with Environment Texas, issued the following statement: 

“The Interior’s oil and gas royalty rates for offshore drilling are already too low — they’re up to 5% lower than what the State of Texas currently charges.

As we approach the 10th Anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon spill, it’s incredible that some seem to have forgotten the harm that offshore drilling can do to our coastal communities and marine life. Royalties help compensate for the damage that drilling causes by funding conservation efforts. It would be a mistake, and a slap in the face to Gulf communities, to lower them.”

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Environment Texas is a non-profit advocate for clean air, clean water and open spaces.