Oil and Gas in the Rio Grande Valley
While Edinburg is best known today for education, healthcare, and retail growth, oil and natural gas have long been part of the Hidalgo County story. The county sits atop significant natural gas reserves, and fields in the region have produced gas for decades. Today, the broader South Texas energy economy includes the prolific Eagle Ford Shale to the north, pipeline networks crossing the Valley, refineries in Corpus Christi, and liquefied natural gas development near the Port of Brownsville.
Oil and gas companies provide high-paying jobs, royalty income for mineral owners, and tax revenue that funds local schools and services. Natural gas exports to Mexico via pipelines crossing the Rio Grande also make the Valley a strategic energy corridor. Below are ten of the most important oil and gas companies connected to Edinburg and South Texas.
The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies Connected to Edinburg
1. EOG Resources
EOG Resources is one of the largest crude oil and natural gas producers in the United States and a leading operator in the Eagle Ford Shale. Its technological innovation in horizontal drilling and completions has made it a benchmark for efficiency in South Texas.
2. ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips holds substantial Eagle Ford acreage and is one of the largest independent exploration and production companies in the world. Its South Texas operations support thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
3. ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil is one of the world's largest energy companies, with a major presence across Texas in production, refining, and chemicals. Its Gulf Coast operations influence fuel supply and pricing throughout the Valley.
4. Chevron
Chevron is a global integrated energy company with significant Texas operations in production and refining. It is also investing in lower-carbon technologies, including carbon capture and hydrogen.
5. Kinder Morgan
Headquartered in Houston, Kinder Morgan operates one of the largest natural gas pipeline networks in North America. Its systems in South Texas move gas to Gulf Coast markets and support exports to Mexico.
6. Energy Transfer
Energy Transfer operates an extensive network of pipelines and processing facilities across Texas. Its infrastructure plays an important role in delivering South Texas natural gas to power plants, industry, and border export points.
7. Valero Energy
San Antonio-based Valero is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners in the world. Its Corpus Christi refineries supply gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
8. NextDecade
NextDecade is developing the Rio Grande LNG export facility at the Port of Brownsville, one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in South Texas history. The project is expected to create jobs and expand the region's role in global energy markets.
9. Texas Gas Service
Texas Gas Service, a division of ONE Gas, delivers natural gas to homes and businesses across the Rio Grande Valley. For Edinburg residents, it is the most direct connection to the natural gas industry, providing fuel for cooking, heating, and water heating.
10. Halliburton
Halliburton is one of the world's largest oilfield service companies. Its South Texas operations provide drilling, completion, and production services to operators in the Eagle Ford and surrounding fields, supporting a skilled regional workforce.
Economic Importance for Edinburg
Oil and gas activity supports a wide network of businesses in the Valley, from trucking and equipment rental to engineering, legal, and accounting firms. Mineral owners in Hidalgo, Starr, and surrounding counties receive royalty income that can provide generational financial security. Energy-related property taxes support schools and infrastructure, and the industry's high wages boost local spending.
The Valley's location also makes it a crossroads for energy trade. Pipelines carry natural gas from Texas into Mexico, where it fuels power plants and factories, strengthening economic ties across the border.
Careers in Oil and Gas
Careers in the sector range from field technicians and truck drivers to petroleum engineers, geologists, and environmental specialists. UTRGV and South Texas College offer engineering and technical programs that prepare students for these roles. Safety training and certifications are essential, and many companies provide apprenticeship programs for new workers.
Industry Trends
The oil and gas industry is becoming more efficient and more focused on environmental performance. Operators are reducing methane emissions, recycling produced water, and electrifying equipment. LNG exports are expanding Texas's global influence, while carbon capture and hydrogen projects signal a gradual evolution toward lower-carbon energy. Commodity price swings remain a constant challenge, requiring companies and communities to plan carefully.
Final Thoughts
Oil and gas continue to shape the economy of South Texas and the communities around Edinburg. Producers such as EOG Resources and ConocoPhillips, midstream giants like Kinder Morgan and Energy Transfer, refiners like Valero, and emerging LNG developers like NextDecade all play vital roles. As the industry evolves, the Rio Grande Valley is positioned to remain an important hub of energy activity for decades to come.