February 26, 2026
AXPC recently brought its Unleashing American Energy Congressional Field Tour to the birthplace of the Shale Revolution — Midland, Texas. We offered federal policymakers an inside look at energy production in the Permian Basin, the most prolific oil and natural gas producing region in the United States.
Hosted in partnership with Diamondback Energy – the largest independent producer operating in the Permian – the bipartisan, bicameral delegation of sixteen energy and environment policy staff witnessed how innovation, electrification, and operational efficiencies are driving emissions reductions across the upstream sector while strengthening U.S. energy security and supporting regional economic growth.
A Firsthand Look at the Nation’s Most Productive Energy Basin
The Permian Basin spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico and accounts for a significant share of U.S. oil and natural gas production. In fact, ten counties in the Permian Basin account for 93% of U.S. oil production growth since 2020.
With oil and natural gas demand projected to grow through 2050, the Permian plays an outsized role in ensuring reliable, affordable energy for American families and businesses.
Participants experienced the innovative technologies driving modern drilling operations, well completions, and production – and how the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act is supporting increased investment in the local economy. The tour also highlighted opportunities for the beneficial use of produced water in the region and the critical role of independent producers to meet growing electricity demand state-wide, driven by the explosive build out of data centers and growing industrial base.
Electrified Fracturing and Emissions Reductions
A key highlight of the day was a visit to an electrified hydraulic fracturing (e-frac) site, where the group learned how electrification is transforming completions operations. By replacing diesel-powered equipment with low-carbon electric alternatives, operators can significantly reduce emissions, lower environmental disturbance, and improve overall operational performance.
From Production to Community Impact
The day concluded with a broader conversation on regional economic development, demonstrating the significant role the sector plays in community and economic growth across West Texas and New Mexico.
The economic support is deeply felt at the local level. In fiscal year 2025, the Texas oil and gas industry paid $27 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties – equating to $74 million every day. Additionally, the Permian Basin alone contributed to over 645,000 jobs in Texas and another 147,500 in New Mexico, plus $1.6 billion paid in school taxes in 2024.
FY 2025 Texas Snapshot: Paid State and Local Taxes and State Royalties
(TXOGA 2025 Energy & Economic Impact Report)
“I’ve been to operations in the Marcellus up in Pennsylvania, but this was my first time seeing operations in the Permian Basin. The innovation and technology involved in the process, and the strides industry has made thanks to the Shale Revolution, are remarkable. These processes and hard workers are the life blood of our economy, allowing us to sustain modern life and advance into the future with reliable, affordable, and secure energy.” – Field Tour Attendee
Securing America’s Energy Future
AXPC’s Unleashing American Energy Tour builds first-hand understanding that can only be gained in the field. In Midland, participants saw how Diamondback Energy’s leadership in technology, environmental stewardship, and community investment is helping meet the nation’s energy needs with reliable, affordable energy. These firsthand connections between policy and practice are essential to crafting informed, balanced energy policies that secure America’s energy future and strengthen the communities that make progress possible.
