The American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) was born in 1976 out of necessity, when dependence on foreign energy sources threatened America’s economic security — and over the past five decades, its leading independent producers have answered that challenge by engineering one of the greatest industrial transformations in history. Through the Shale Revolution they pioneered, the United States went from a nation weakened by energy scarcity to the world’s number one producer of both oil and natural gas. Today, AXPC’s members account for 87% of the upstream, onshore sector’s total economic contributions, powering not just energy markets, but over 3 million jobs nationwide and America’s national security.
In recognition of this landmark anniversary, Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX-11) entered the following statement into the Congressional Record on April 2, 2026:
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HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION COUNCIL
HON. AUGUST PFLUGER OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable milestone in American energy leadership, the 50th anniversary of the American Exploration and Production Council. As the proud Representative of Texas’s 11th Congressional District, home to the Permian Basin and the world’s most productive oil and natural gas fields, this anniversary holds tremendous significance to my constituents and our state.
Founded in 1976 during a time of energy shortages and growing dependence on foreign oil, AXPC has long advocated for policies that support responsible domestic production. Over the past five decades, independent producers have driven the innovation that transformed the United States into the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas.
Through exceptional technological ingenuity and know-how, these companies are the authors of the shale revolution. They have strengthened our energy security, created millions of jobs, and enabled the United States to become a net energy exporter.
This progress has also contributed to meaningful environmental gains. The United States’ carbon dioxide emissions have reached their lowest level in decades in large part due to the work of AXPC and top American producers.
As global energy demand continues to rise, American producers remain essential to meeting that need while fueling our economy and national security.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing AXPC’s 50th anniversary and the independent producers whose steadfast commitment to American energy dominance will solidify our Nation’s prosperity and national security for decades to come.
