HOUSTON – Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick today delivered keynote remarks to the Texas Pipeline Association’s (TPA) annual meeting in Houston. TPA is the largest state trade association in the country representing the interests of the intrastate pipeline network in Texas.

“Texas companies are safely delivering record amounts of energy to market, generating a stronger, more prosperous economy for our state and the country, and that’s thanks in large part to our state’s extensive network of pipelines,” Craddick said. “Over the next few years, as new pipelines transporting natural gas into Mexico and carrying oil to Texas’ Gulf Coast ports come online, U.S. energy exports are projected to see enormous growth.”

Since Congress lifted the nation’s ban on crude oil exports at the end of 2015, U.S. oil exports have risen to almost 2 million barrels per day. Driven by Permian production and pipeline growth, experts expect the U.S. could become a net crude exporter as soon as 2019.

“The Railroad Commission’s pipeline safety program is proud to provide strong regulatory oversight of almost 400,000 pipeline miles and this important industry,” Craddick said.