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.

As Houston continues to grow and evolve, the importance of robust and forward-thinking infrastructure becomes increasingly paramount. The Greater Houston Partnership's Transportation & Infrastructure Advisory Committee is at the forefront of shaping policies and initiatives that ensure our region's infrastructure meets the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.  Chaired by Dilip Choudhuri, President and CEO of Walter P Moore, the committee brings together leaders from across industries to shape Houston’s infrastructure priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.  “Big cities are the economic engine that drive the country,” said Choudhuri in a recent fireside chat with committee members. “And what impacts a big city? It’s all the infrastructure.”  What the Committee Is Focused On  In 2025, the committee’s work centers on key initiatives that support economic development, mobility, and climate resilience, including:  Water Infrastructure: Advocating for long-term investment in Houston’s water systems during the 89th Texas Legislative Session to maintain competitiveness.  Flood Mitigation: Supporting funding tools like the Flood Infrastructure Fund, which the Partnership helped advance to ensure a more resilient Gulf Coast region.  Waterways and Ports: Backing initiatives like Port Houston’s Project 12 and the Coastal Texas Program (Ike Dike), a generational project that received $550 million in state funding in 2023 thanks in part to Partnership advocacy.  Roadways and Mobility: Pushing for consistent and flexible funding from TxDOT and advancing critical projects like the North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP).  “Delays cause cost increases, and there’s not a whole lot of extra money to fund projects,” Choudhuri noted. “We need to be good stewards of those dollars, and that starts with consistent planning and coordination.”  Planning for the Future Means Modernizing How We Build  Choudhuri, who has helped transform Walter P Moore into a digital-first firm, brought a strong message to committee members: Houston can’t afford to solve 21st-century problems with 20th-century tools.  “Using technology and a digital process does not make you digital. You have to change the process,” he said. “It shouldn’t take two weeks to understand where you stand financially on a project. That is completely different, that’s process-level transformation.”  He emphasized the potential of connected vehicles to address congestion and described a future where engineers use AI and optimization tools to design infrastructure that balances sustainability, performance, and equity.  “Traditional tasks will be simplified by digital resources… Engineers will set a framework and lean on technology to optimize the solution.”  Why Business Voices Matter  The committee’s recent roundtable discussion surfaced shared concerns across industries, from permitting reform and project delivery timelines to digital connectivity and freight infrastructure. But it also reinforced the central idea that infrastructure isn’t just a government issue, it’s a business issue.  “Even if you’re not a subject matter expert in infrastructure, you all have opinions… you all feel the same challenges,” said Choudhuri. “This committee is about learning, sharing, and pushing to keep the agenda moving forward.”  Whether you’re focused on workforce access, regional mobility, or supply chain efficiency, insights from business and community leaders are critical to Houston’s future. “What impacts infrastructure impacts your business,” Choudhuri said. “And this committee is your platform to help shape smart, long-term solutions.”  Ready to make an impact?  Partnership members are central to impact work that advances opportunity and strengthens the region’s economy. Contact the member engagement team at member.engagement@houston.org to get involved.