The Gulf Response Alliance (GRA) has announced that Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA), will deliver the keynote address during the inaugural Gulf Response Alliance event. Staples will open the General Session on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas, helping launch three days of collaboration, technical learning, and discussions focused on strengthening preparedness across the Gulf Coast.
As President of TXOGA since 2014, Staples leads the state’s oldest and largest oil and natural gas trade association, representing companies that play a significant role in the Texas and Gulf Coast economies. His background also includes service as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture and twelve years in the Texas Legislature, where he worked on policy issues involving energy, natural resources, agriculture, and economic development.
His keynote address will help introduce this year’s conference theme, Back to Basics, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness, strong partnerships, and practical response capabilities in protecting Gulf Coast communities, waterways, wildlife, and critical infrastructure.
“Todd Staples has spent his career bringing together stakeholders to address complex challenges that impact the Texas oil and gas industry, both inland and along the Gulf coast,”
said Jimmy Martinez, Deputy Director of the Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division.
“His leadership and experience make him an ideal keynote speaker as we launch the Gulf Response Alliance and bring together the organizations responsible for protecting our coastal resources, waterways, wildlife, and communities.”
The inaugural Gulf Response Alliance event will take place September 28–30, 2026, bringing together emergency response professionals, government agencies, industry leaders, environmental organizations, academic institutions, and wildlife experts from across the Gulf Coast. Throughout the conference, attendees will participate in hands-on workshops, equipment demonstrations, government briefings, networking opportunities, and expert-led sessions designed to strengthen operational readiness and regional collaboration.
As the Gulf Response Alliance continues to grow, bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors, keynote speakers like Todd Staples help reinforce the Alliance’s mission to foster collaboration, share expertise, and build a more resilient Gulf Coast.
