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Over 70 leaders from the Permian Basin traveled to Washington D.C. this week for the 2026 Midland-Odessa Washington Fly-In.
The event was co-hosted by the Odessa and Midland Chambers of Commerce and presented by Diamondback Energy to facilitate discussions between West Texas stakeholders and federal officials. The delegation consisted of oil and gas industry professionals, small business owners, civic leaders, educators, and students from the University of Texas Permian Basin.
The two-day visit centered on the region’s role in energy production and its impact on the national economy and security. The group advocated for specific policies intended to support industrial growth and innovation within the Permian Basin.
Congressman August Pfluger welcomed the participants for their third biennial trip to the capital.
“Midland and Odessa play a vital role in Texas and on the global stage. The Permian Basin is the heart of American energy production, driving our economy and strengthening our national security,” said Congressman Pfluger. “But beyond the resources, it’s the people who make this region so exceptional, and it was a true pleasure to have so many of them in Washington this week.”
The trip included meetings with Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, as well as several congressional committee chairs and representatives from the Department of Energy. Discussions addressed federal issues such as permitting reform, infrastructure development, workforce training, and energy policy. Industry leaders from the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the American Exploration & Productions Council also provided testimony and briefings during the event.
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Renee Earls, president and CEO of the Odessa Chamber, and Evan Thomas, Midland Chamber president and CEO, said the Fly-In provides a platform for the two communities to maintain a unified presence in national policy discussions.
“Bringing in over 70 leaders from across the Permian Basin to share our story reinforces just how important our region is not only to Texas but also to the entire nation,” said Earls.
Added Thomas, “This Fly-In was a powerful reminder that our region has a seat at the table in shaping national policy, and we need to take it.”
Permian Proud is an online news publication sponsored by the Chevron Americas Exploration and Production Company (CAEP).
We aim to provide Permian Basin residents with information about what’s going on in the community, and to provide a voice for CAEP on civic issues.
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