Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was honored with the Legislator of the Year Award by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) for his unwavering support of the oil and gas industry. Throughout his time in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Cruz has been a champion of policies that promote U.S. energy and protect American job opportunities.

Accepting the award, Sen. Cruz emphasized the detrimental impact of the Biden administration's stance on the oil and gas industry. He stated, "The Biden administration’s hostility toward the oil and gas industry raises costs for American families and destroys U.S. jobs. Right here in America, we produce the world’s cleanest energy and have the resources and ability to do so without relying on Russia, Iran, or Venezuela. I am honored to receive this award, and I will continue to defend the merits of drilling on American soil and in American waters."

Sen. Cruz has been at the forefront of various legislative efforts to support the oil and gas industry and safeguard American interests. Notable achievements include:

• Working with industry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to expedite the approval of new regulations allowing for new NPDES permits. These permits are essential to maintain domestic energy production, restrain gas prices, and ensure the livelihoods of hard-working Texans.
• Securing the passage of an amendment to the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, which prohibits the sale of Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) crude oil to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This legislation bolsters national security and protects American energy resources.
• Negotiating with the administration to approve four major licenses for companies to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) abroad. These agreements, totaling 40 million metric tons of LNG per year, enhance U.S. energy exports and strengthen international partnerships.
• Introducing legislation to streamline permitting for all energy development on federal lands and waters, expedite natural gas exports, and collaborate with Sen. Manchin to halt the Biden administration's ban on gas stoves. These initiatives promote energy independence and protect American jobs.
• Leading the charge in 2020 to shield America and Texas's energy producers from the exploitation of the global oil market by Russia and Saudi Arabia during the pandemic.

Sen. Cruz's commitment to the oil and gas industry and American energy security has earned him the recognition of the International Association of Drilling Contractors. With his ongoing efforts, he continues to advocate for the responsible exploration and extraction of energy resources within the United States.

For more information on Sen. Ted Cruz's work and achievements, please visit the links below:

• New NPDES Permits
• Amendment to the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act
• No Emergency Crude Oil for Foreign Adversaries Act
• LNG Export Permits
• Streamlining Permitting
• Expedited Natural Gas Exports
• Protection of Gas Stoves
• Protection of America and Texas's Energy Producers