MIDLAND, Texas — Texas continues to lead the nation in oil and gas production — with the Permian Basin alone generating nearly 40% of the country’s oil and 15% of its natural gas. That dominance is one reason Gov. Greg Abbott visited Midland on Thursday to sign a slate of new legislation aimed at strengthening protections and boosting growth in the region.

“These laws are bringing the full weight of the law to crack down on oil theft in the Permian Basin,” Abbott said.

The three new laws include:

House Bill 48 : Creates an Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Senate Bill 494 : Forms a task force within the Texas Railroad Commission to study the economic impact of petroleum theft and suggest prevention strategies.

Senate Bill 1806

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