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HJR 107

Proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in the exploration for and production and export of oil, gas, and other minerals.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brooks Landgraf

Texas constitutional amendment would protect oil, gas, and mineral exploration, production, and export as explicit constitutional rights against future restrictions.

Left pending in committee
#mines&mineralresources(i0536) #oil&gas(i0545) #propertyinterests--realproperty(i0595) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 107

Legislative bill overview

HJR 107 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly protect Texans' right to explore, produce, and export oil, gas, and other minerals. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this amendment would enshrine energy production rights in the Texas Constitution as a protected activity.

Why is this important

Texas is the nation's leading oil and gas producer, and energy industries significantly contribute to the state's economy and tax base. A constitutional amendment would provide stronger legal protections against potential future restrictions on energy extraction and export, insulating these industries from standard legislative or regulatory challenges.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental and climate concerns: Critics may argue the amendment could obstruct environmental regulations, climate initiatives, or water quality protections by making extraction rights constitutionally protected
  • Regulatory flexibility: Enshrining extraction rights in the constitution could limit the state's ability to adapt regulations in response to new scientific evidence, technological changes, or public health concerns
  • Scope and interpretation: The broad language protecting "exploration," "production," and "export" could create litigation over what regulations constitute impermissible restrictions on these constitutionally protected activities
  • Competing constitutional rights: Courts may face conflicts between mineral extraction rights and other constitutionally protected interests like property rights of neighboring landowners or public trust resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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