During a House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science hearing, Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas emphasized the need for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to continue protecting resources in the Permian Basin. The FBI’s Permian Basin Oil Theft Task Force has been instrumental in addressing oil theft issues in West Texas.
Congressman Gonzales highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “There’s a part of my district, one of my counties [Reeves County], that produces more natural gas than anywhere else in the country…I want to highlight something for you that has worked…the Permian Basin Oil Theft Task Force. Oil theft in West Texas is a real deal…especially with the border crisis that we had to deal with over the last four years.”
He further stressed the importance of maintaining this program during budget discussions: “That is a program, once again, without the FBI being at the core of providing the intelligence and the expertise, it’s really difficult for some of these sheriffs and local municipalities to tackle these organized crimes. As you’re working through the budget process…as you’re working through what has to stick and what has to go, the Permian Basin Oil Theft Task Force is very important.”
In Congress, Gonzales introduced the Protect the Permian Act. This legislation aims to increase criminal penalties related to oil theft and enhance federal support for law enforcement agencies targeting such crimes. Additionally, he hosted a roundtable in Monahans, Texas focusing on oilfield theft issues alongside FBI representatives and local law enforcement officials.
The FBI has collaborated with local authorities since 2008 through this task force to investigate oilfield thefts and gather intelligence. Their work is vital for safeguarding America’s largest oil-producing region from economic threats posed by stolen oil and equipment being sold on black markets.
