Footprints in Domestic Dirt

To fully understand the impact that the quest for oil and other natural resources has impressed upon not only Texas but the world, one could not simply read an essay, single book, or watch enough PBS specials. The benefit on energy independence on economies can be monumental, and the pursuit of it can indeed leave “footprints” on societies and the land. Elizabeth Ames Jones, a member and very former past chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC), recently wrote an article that appeared online at the Houston Chronicle’s website which advocated appropriate legislation be passed to ensure that the domestic search for oil and other natural resources be allowed.

Being a commissioner of the TRC since 2005, Jones understands the importance of how a cache of oil and gas resources can affect an economy. She cites advantages in seeking more natural resources domestically that include more security for our homeland and the ability to produce funds that could be used for researching alternative energy sources. Moreover, the experience Jones has gained from being a top overseer of a state that is the nation’s leading producer of natural resources should give her a great perspective of how domestic natural resource stores can positively influence an economy.

The Barnett Shale is a natural gas field in the Dallas-Fort Worth area which has become a very successful source of natural gas; it may be the largest in the country. Jones uses the success of the Barnett Shale to illustrate how beneficial local resources can be. She states, “America’s undeveloped oil and gas resources should be considered our generation’s victory garden in the face of today’s struggle to maintain energy security.” Therefore, it would not be a surprise that Texas’ former TRC commissioner is a proponent for drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, asserting that the environmental impact would be miniscule, but she does acknowledge that a “footprint” is left behind. Driving through oil fields in the Texas-Louisiana border area, “Bigfoot prints” are visible and very apparent. Even though technology has much improved the means of searching for natural resources, disrupting a national wildlife refuge should be approached with careful consideration.

More lessons can be learned from Texas’ success with bountiful natural resources than just a positive economic outcome: environmental sacrifices were made, and the discovery of such valuable resources in East Texas has touched lives all over the world. Becoming an energy independent nation is a coveted goal of all economies; the attainment of personal wealth is a coveted goal of many people. It is important to be able to analyze certain events to distinguish which party is benefiting the most.


Gov. Rick Perry, Elizabeth Jones, and former Governor Bill Clements