Austin, Texas — Today, Senator Troy Fraser, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, appointed Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa to chair a subcommittee to examine the impact on Texas' economy and businesses of the recent expansion of oil and gas production in Northern Mexico.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"I am pleased Lt. Governor Dewhurst charged the Senate Natural Resources Committee with studying the impact Mexico's recent energy reforms will have on Texas. I am also honored that Chairman Fraser has appointed me chairman of the subcommittee examining this issue.

"The recent expansion of oil and gas production in Northern Mexico is expected to top $1 trillion in investment and create a new energy paradigm for North America. By combining the United States, Canada, and Mexico, oil and gas production in North America will be bigger than OPEC.

"No region stands to gain more from Mexico's energy reforms than the Rio Grande Valley. With the Eagle Ford Shale to the north and the Burgos Basin, also known as the Eagle Ford Shale south of the border, the Rio Grande Valley is at the epicenter of this energy revolution happening in Texas and Mexico.

"I look forward to studying how Texas and our local communities can capitalize on the economic boom Mexico's energy reforms will have on South Texas and the entire State."

  ATTACHMENT:   Senator Fraser's Letter to the Senate Natural Resources Committee

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