By Ed Sterling

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Houston, and Christi Craddick, a member of the Texas Railroad Commission, co-wrote an opinion piece published Sept. 25 by the Houston Chronicle. McCaul and Craddick voiced their opposition to the federal ban that prevents the exportation of crude oil.

They called on President Obama to lift the ban. Doing that, they said, would “allow energy powerhouse states like Texas, for whom oil and gas contributes to more than 40 percent of its total economy, to fully drive the U.S. toward reaching its true oil-producing potential.

“Around the world, our friends and allies are looking for the same thing we are here at home: a stable and reliable supply of American energy,” they added.

Hegar hails high ratings

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Oct. 1 said the nation’s major credit rating agencies have confirmed the state of Texas’ long-term general obligation credit ratings, once again earning it the highest possible marks from Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s and Fitch.

Maintaining the highest credit ratings translates into lower borrowing rates for state-issued obligations and lower costs to taxpayers, Hegar said.

Ed Sterling works for the Texas Press Association and follows the Legislature for the organization.

edsterling@texaspress.com