As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, Houston remains at the center of the conversation. The Greater Houston Partnership’s Public Policy Energy Advisory Committee supporting efforts to ensure our region stays competitive, sustainable, and future-ready. Chaired by Jonathan Cox, Global Co-Head of Natural Resources Investment Banking at JPMorgan Chase, the committee convenes key leaders from across the sector to shape energy policy and drive innovation at the local, state, and federal levels. “Everyone has gotten the memo around inbound U.S. investment being critically important,” said Cox. “There’s a tremendous enthusiasm for putting capital, jobs, and infrastructure in the U.S., especially in Texas.” What the Committee is Focused On In 2025, the Energy Advisory Committee is focused on strategies to maintain Houston’s energy leadership while navigating a changing policy and investment environment. Key priorities include: Permitting Reform & Infrastructure Advocacy: Supporting clearer permitting timelines and reforms at both federal and state levels to accelerate CCS, LNG, and nuclear projects. Clean Energy & Technology: Promoting policies that advance emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), carbon capture, and clean hydrogen. Electric Grid Modernization: Advocating for reliability, affordability, and long-term energy planning to meet growing demand in the Houston region. Federal & State Policy Alignment: Tracking shifts from sustainability to reliability in federal priorities, while supporting Texas legislation like H.B. 14, which allocates $2B toward advanced nuclear supply chain development. Energy Workforce & R&D: Ensuring Houston has the talent pipeline and R&D infrastructure to remain competitive as the energy sector transforms. “The places where tomorrow’s energy breakthroughs will be invented may not be here unless we act,” Cox noted. “We have to be at the forefront of energy R&D.” What We’re Hearing from Members During the Q2 committee meeting, a roundtable discussion revealed key business concerns and opportunities. These included: Ensuring policy consistency and fiscal incentives to reduce investment uncertainty Advancing clean energy innovation while recognizing the essential role of traditional energy in driving low-carbon solutions Elevating Houston’s role in domestic and international energy investment Increasing collaboration across government, academia, and industry “We’re in a world where we need more energy—not less,” said Cox. “The idea that we can subtract our way to energy transition just doesn’t work technologically.” Looking Ahead: A Platform for Progress The Partnership will continue engaging members to shape the advocacy strategy. Whether you work in oil and gas, renewables, infrastructure, or emerging tech, this committee is your platform to help define the future of energy in Houston—and beyond. “Houston has the talent, infrastructure, and industry depth to lead the next chapter of the global energy story,” Cox said. “But we must stay ahead by investing in innovation, aligning on policy, and preparing our workforce for what’s next.” Ready to get involved? Partnership members are essential to shaping policy that powers Houston’s growth. Contact the member engagement team at member.engagement@houston.org to join the Energy Advisory Committee.

Now that the Texas Legislature has wrapped its regular session, one issue stands at the forefront: water. In 2023, lawmakers created the Texas Water Fund with $1 billion to begin addressing the state’s $154 billion water infrastructure backlog. This year, legislators added another $2.6 billion and set the stage for a historic investment—$20 billion over the next 20 years. That long-term funding hinges on voter approval this November. Legislative Action The framework comes from Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) and House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7), authored by Sen. Charles Perry and Rep. Cody Harris. SB 7 restructures oversight and expands eligible projects. HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate $1 billion annually from surplus state sales tax revenue. The current budget (Senate Bill 1) and Supplemental Budget Bill (House Bill 500) also include major water investments: $1B for water supply/infrastructure $881M to the Texas Water Fund $581M for newly eligible projects $130M to unlock federal matching funds What Happens Next The first part of SB 7 takes effect September 1. The second part, and the annual $1 billion dedication, only takes effect if voters approve HJR 7 on November 4. Houston Public Works completed a survey this week asking community stakeholders to identify local needs and priorities ahead of the election. Click here to read an expanded analysis of the bill. Ballot Language: November 4, 2025 ballot: "The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas Water Fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.” Why Water Funding Matters for Houston As the nation’s fifth most populous metro area, Houston relies on a vast and aging water infrastructure system to serve more than 7.8 million residents and fuel one of the country’s most dynamic economies. The region provides water to hundreds of industrial users and manages a growing population with increasingly complex demands. At the same time, chronic underinvestment and storm-related damage have left the system strained. Long-term, reliable state funding is critical to ensuring Houston can maintain and expand its water supply while modernizing the infrastructure that supports economic growth, public health, and resilience. A Vote “For” HJR 7 Means: Up to $1B per year of sales tax revenue above $46.5B goes to the Texas Water Fund (the Comptroller’s revenue estimate for fiscal year 2026 is $51.2 billion) Reduced dependence on annual legislative appropriations Priority funding for new water supply and infrastructure projects If approved, the funding starts in 2027 and runs through 2047. Lawmakers have the option extend the dedicated funding stream. Houston’s Stake Houston stands to benefit significantly, with over $265 million already earmarked for local projects. The city faces $480 million in infrastructure needs and could be central to an interim study on including wastewater projects in future state water plans. The outcome of this vote will determine whether communities across Texas have a sustainable, long-term water funding source.