Abbott Signs Bills Targeting Oilfield Theft, Approves $123M for Permian Basin Growth

AUSTIN, TX — Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday signed several bills aimed at combating oilfield theft and boosting economic development in West Texas, including a $123 million appropriation for a major infrastructure project in the Permian Basin.

The legislation, signed at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, includes Senate Bill 494, Senate Bill 529, Senate Bill 1806, House Bill 48, and the Beacon Budget Appropriation. Abbott said the measures will protect Texas’ vital oil and gas industry from organized theft while driving long-term investment in the region.

"Today is a defining moment for the Permian Basin, the future of this region, and the future of Texas," Governor Abbott said. "We are bringing the full weight of the law to crack down on oil theft in the Permian Basin to protect the critical role energy development plays in fueling our economy. I'm also signing an item to fund an historic $123 million investment in The Beacon, a pivotal economic development project for Midland-Odessa."

Senate Bill 494 establishes a petroleum theft task force, while SB 1806 equips the Texas Department of Public Safety with new tools to fight oil and gas crime.

"Organized criminals and cartels have increasingly targeted oil pipelines and storage tanks, stealing millions of dollars from communities in the Permian Basin," information from Abbott's office states.

House Bill 48 authorizes a specialized theft prevention unit within DPS. Senate Bill 529 changes the tax code to allow Midland to redirect revenue to local development initiatives.

The Beacon Budget Appropriation was appropriated by the Texas Legislature to the Texas Facilities Commission to support Beacon Healthcare in extending healthcare, research, residential, and retails spaces in the region.

Abbott was joined by several officials, including former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans, Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick, Senator Kevin Sparks, and Midland Mayor Lori Blong.

View the Governor’s full bill signing ceremony here.