Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says upcoming bill would defend Texas energy sector from boycotts
Bob Sechler, Austin American-Statesman
Contending that the Texas energy sector is being unfairly targeted by environmentalists, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Thursday that legislation will be unveiled next week to prohibit the state from doing business with any investment firms that boycott oil and gas companies.
“I think it will pass easily," Patrick said, calling the planned bill one of his legislative priorities while speaking during a public policy forum sponsored by the Texas Business Leadership Council.
Energy companies have been big backers of Patrick and other Republican politicians in Texas, and Patrick's remarks Thursday marked the second time this week that he has thrown red meat to his conservative supporters.