CORPUS CHRISTI — Energy leaders, policymakers, and regional decision-makers gathered at the Ortiz Center on Aug. 20 for the third annual 2026 State of Energy Luncheon to discuss South Texas’ role in national strategy, maritime trade, coastal resources and new infrastructure demands.

The forum, hosted by Energy Network Media Group in partnership with the Texas Energy Advocates Coalition (TEAC), focused on public policy, port trade, water resources, coastal resilience and infrastructure demands driven by the expanding artificial intelligence economy.

“All of these issues connect down, really, to ‘what are we going to do with energy?’” said Congressman Michael Cloud, whose 27th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives includes San Patricio and Aransas Counties.

Cloud was among several industry and government speakers addressing issues affecting South Texas and the Coastal Bend. Additional speakers included Port of Corpus Christi CEO Kent Britton and Howard Energy Partners CEO Mike Howard, who serves on the National Petroleum Council.

“South Texas continues to play a critical role in the future of energy, and the decisions being made today will have impacts far beyond our region,” said Kym Bolado, Host of The Energy Mix Radio Show and CEO of Energy Network Media Group. “State of Energy brings together leaders from across sectors to examine the challenges ahead, identify opportunities, and focus on practical solutions.”

Britton detailed the Port of Corpus Christi’s operational strength and its role in supplying energy regionally and nationally. The port stands as one of the largest exporters of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) globally, supplying fuel and electricity for homes, vessels and industrial use.

During the first half of 2026, port customers moved 110.3 million tons of commodities through the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, marking the best first half of a year in the port’s history.

“It’s as much now a testament not just to the growth of the emerging energy economy, but to the resilience of all of our customers in the economy here in Texas and in America,” Britton said.

A news release accompanying the event noted examining regional resource and infrastructure support for future economic demands remains vital as Corpus Christi and South Texas function as a hub for energy production, exports, industrial development, and maritime commerce.

“As demand grows from industry, technology, and communities, energy decisions are increasingly connected to water, infrastructure, trade, and public policy,” Bolado said. “This forum gives us an opportunity to look at those issues together and consider what will be needed moving forward.”