Texas Democrat Backed Bill to Phase Out State’s Oil and Gas Industry, GOP Charges

Texas Democrat James Talarico championed legislation that would have dismantled the state’s oil and gas industry, according to the Republican National Committee, which flagged the record over the weekend ahead of September 7, 2026. The bill failed to advance. The RNC’s reporting, published at gop.com, also noted that Talarico voted against a measure that would have constitutionally prohibited a state income tax in Texas.

The oil and gas sector supports more than half a million jobs across Texas, making it one of the state’s largest employment bases. Critics argue that pursuing legislation to eliminate the industry would put those livelihoods directly at risk.

Source: Republican National Committee, gop.com.