Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham (R) announced a new Texas General Land Office initiative on Monday aimed at highlighting how the state’s land and natural resources can support economic growth and strengthen America’s future.
Called “The Texas Engine: Fueled, Fed, and Fortified,” the initiative will focus on five interconnected areas: energy, natural resources, manufacturing, agriculture and conservation.
Buckingham said the effort will showcase projects and resources that she believes can strengthen Texas while contributing to the nation’s energy security, economic growth and long-term prosperity.
“American strength requires energy, land, natural resources, workers, farmers and leaders with the determination and grit to protect them —Texas can provide that strength,” Buckingham said. “As a ninth-generation Texan and your Land Commissioner, it is my duty to ensure the GLO keeps these essential resources working for Texas.”
Buckingham said the General Land Office plans to announce projects connected to the initiative over the coming months.
Powering Texas and America
Energy anchors the first pillar of the Texas Engine.
Texas will continue supporting dependable and dispatchable energy from sources including oil, natural gas, geothermal and nuclear power, according to the GLO.
GLO officials describe energy as a foundation for families, businesses and the broader economy.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Buckingham backed a federal offshore oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of America earlier this year, arguing that expanded production could strengthen the U.S. economy and national security.
Producing critical resources
Natural resources, including critical minerals and produced water, make up the second pillar.
Developing these resources could strengthen the state’s economy, reduce reliance on foreign countries and contribute to U.S. resource security, the GLO said.
Building the next generation of manufacturing
Manufacturing forms the third pillar.
Buckingham’s office said Texas has the energy, natural resources, workforce and infrastructure needed to support the next generation of American manufacturing.
Officials also aim to highlight opportunities to create jobs for Texans as manufacturing expands.
Growing food and protecting working lands
Agriculture and the state’s farmers and ranchers anchor the fourth pillar.
Protecting working lands and conserving water will help maintain Texas’ agricultural legacy and give future generations the opportunity to continue farming and ranching, the GLO said.
Texas agriculture also plays a role in feeding both the state and the nation, according to the initiative.
Protecting land, water and natural resources
Conservation and responsible development make up the fifth pillar.
Texas must develop its land, water, coastline and other natural resources responsibly while protecting them for future generations, the GLO said.
In a video announcing the initiative, Buckingham said the Texas Engine will put the state’s existing resources to work for families, communities, veterans and the economy while contributing to America’s future.
“Over the next several months, we’re going to show you the people, places, and resources that make Texas the engine that keeps America moving,” Buckingham said.
GLO officials will continue rolling out projects and information tied to the initiative through the Texas General Land Office in the months ahead.
