TAC Blog

Nearly 20 years ago, the oil and gas industry began its boom in the 27-county region of South Texas known as the Eagle Ford Shale. For most of that time, De Witt County Judge Daryl Fowler has guided the corridor through both the successes and challenges that have come along with the energy transformation.

Last October, the South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable (STEER) celebrated Fowler for his tireless work at the 2025 Eagle Ford Excellence Awards.

STEER, now part of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), serves as the leading resource for the Eagle Ford Shale. The organization connects the oil and natural gas industry with South Texas communities to support communication and public advocacy.

Every year, STEER hands out awards to recognize leaders in the Eagle Ford Shale, celebrating excellence in community and social investment, environmental stewardship, neighborhood impression and innovation in technology. In 2025, STEER awarded Judge Fowler with a special recognition for his service to South Texas and the Eagle Ford region.

Silver Vasquez, who served as STEER’s interim executive director before Brookylnn Clement took over the role in January, said Fowler’s ability to collaborate with industry leaders, neighboring counties and state legislators embodies the spirit and purpose of the award.

Fowler, who will retire as county judge at the end of the year, has helped unite Eagle Ford Shale counties to secure major infrastructure funding to improve damaged roads in the region. This included $225 million created by Senate Bill 1747 in 2013 and another $250 million added in 2019 through the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund. He also helped pass House Bill 2521 in 2015, which allowed counties to keep oil and gas royalties generated under county roads, a way to ensure counties are compensated for the damage caused by heavy oil and gas traffic.

“Fowler’s ability to keep his constituents at the heart of his decision-making is what makes him really successful,” said Vasquez, who considers him his mentor. “He’s got a servant leadership approach to being a judge. He always made time for me, and he always asked how I was doing personally before we ever got into any business.”

Collaboration, such as the kind Fowler has championed, is the driving force behind the region’s success, Vasquez said. He encourages other Texas counties to follow the example set by those in the Eagle Ford Shale.

“Texas is Texas,” he said. “Do not be afraid to collaborate and reach across those invisible lines for the greater good of the region.”