Commissioner Dawn Buckingham: The Surgeon Turned Land Commissioner Reshaping Texas’s Energy Future | Shale Magazine

In her Austin office, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham speaks passionately about her vision for the state’s energy future. She has embraced her role with the precision of a surgeon and the tenacity of a lifelong Texan, transforming what she calls “the most important state agency that so many Texans have never heard of.”

Overseeing state land that stretches from the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle, Buckingham has emerged as a powerful advocate for Texas’s energy industry. She has spearheaded carbon sequestration initiatives, championed next-generation nuclear technologies, and led legal battles against federal regulations—all while managing the nation’s largest sovereign wealth fund and overseeing programs ranging from veteran services to coastal protection.

Her leadership style is defined by an unyielding work ethic and hands-on approach, shaped by an unconventional career path spanning volunteer firefighter, oculoplastic surgeon, and state senator. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” she quips with a smile, a motto that reflects her relentless drive and tireless dedication. Whether she’s inspecting oil facilities in West Texas, reviewing plans for the Alamo’s restoration, or hosting Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends—sometimes including strangers she meets at local restaurants—Buckingham brings focus and heart to every endeavor.

“We’re the agency that rolls up its sleeves every day to positively impact your life in ways you probably don’t realize,” she explains. Under her stewardship, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) has become a key player in shaping the state’s energy future while preserving its lands, resources, and heritage. This is the story of a trailblazing leader and “happy warrior” innovatively leading one of Texas’s oldest institutions to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

The instinct to stand up for others emerged early for Dawn Buckingham. As a child, she would confront playground bullies, an early indication of the fighting spirit that would later define her public service career. But her path to becoming Texas’s first female Land Commissioner was anything but conventional.

Following her father’s footsteps into medicine, Buckingham worked her way through college as a waitress, an experience that shaped her perspective on service and humility. “When people were being mean to me when I was waiting on them, I would think, ‘Well, someday I’m going to be your surgeon,’” she recalls with a laugh. “I never thought someday I’d be your statewide elected official.”

That journey to public office began while she was building a successful 25-year career as an oculoplastic surgeon. She also served as a volunteer firefighter, deepening her commitment to public service. Her first taste of public office came through service on the State Board for Educator Certification, where she rose to Vice Chairman. A seat on her children’s school board followed – “before it was cool,” she jokes – along with an appointment to the Texas Sunset Commission by then-Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst.

Her watershed moment came when she decided to run for the Texas Senate. In a historic victory, she became the first Republican elected to the Senate from Travis County. The experience proved invaluable, teaching her the art of building relationships across party lines and finding practical solutions to complex problems. “The Texas Senate, arguably the most conservative elected body in the country, votes bipartisan 98 percent of the time,” she notes. “And nobody talks about that.”

When then-Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced his run for Attorney General, Buckingham saw an opportunity to serve Texas in a new way. After prayer and discussion with her husband of 33 years, she launched her campaign for Land Commissioner. The race proved challenging – she was outspent five to one by her Democratic opponent – but she prevailed with the largest margin of any non-incumbent on the statewide ballot.

The significance of being the first woman to serve as Texas Land Commissioner isn’t lost on Buckingham, but she sees it through a characteristically practical lens. “I wholeheartedly care for veterans, protect our beautiful Texas coast, and support our fellow Texans as they recover from disasters,” she explains. “Every day, I embrace my role with the nurturing spirit that comes from my motherly instincts.”

This combination of toughness and compassion has become Buckingham’s hallmark as Commissioner. Whether she’s fighting federal regulations that threaten Texas’s energy industry or ensuring Hurricane Harvey victims can rebuild their homes, she brings the same determination that once drove her to confront playground bullies. But now, instead of helping one patient at a time in the operating room, she’s serving millions of Texans through what she calls “transformational” initiatives for the state’s future.

“I have learned that challenges are simply opportunities God gives to his strongest soldiers,” Buckingham reflects. As Texas faces growing demands for energy, increasing pressure on public lands, and evolving environmental challenges, this former surgeon turned “happy warrior” Land Commissioner is proving that sometimes the most unconventional paths lead to the most effective leadership.

When Dr. Buckingham describes the Texas General Land Office (GLO) as “the most important state agency that so many Texans have never heard of,” she’s not exaggerating. The role of Land Commissioner touches virtually every aspect of Texas life, from funding public education to protecting the coast, from supporting veterans to preserving the Alamo.

At the heart of the Commissioner’s responsibilities lies the stewardship of 13 million acres of state lands – a legacy that dates back to the Republic of Texas. Unlike other territories that ceded their unowned lands to the federal government, Texas retained control of its public lands, a decision that continues to pay dividends for its citizens today.

Perhaps the most significant of these dividends flows through the Permanent School Fund (PSF), the oldest and largest sovereign wealth fund in the United States. Valued at $56 billion, the fund generates revenue from state lands through oil and gas production, carbon sequestration, and mineral resources. Under Buckingham’s leadership, the PSF provided $1.5 billion for public education this year alone, following a record $2 billion contribution last year. “I will unapologetically defend the oil and gas industry to ensure we continue to fund the next generation of Texans,” she asserts.

The Commissioner’s role extends far beyond land management. As chair of the Veterans Land Board, Buckingham oversees programs that help Texas veterans achieve homeownership through specialized mortgage options. The GLO operates ten Texas State Veterans homes and manages five State Veterans Cemeteries, fulfilling the state’s commitment to those who served.

Coastal protection represents another crucial aspect of the Commissioner’s duties. The GLO’s Coastal Protection Division maintains Texas beaches, conducts water quality testing, assists with dune restoration, and maintains oil spill response teams along the coast. Meanwhile, the Community Development and Revitalization Division leads disaster recovery efforts and flood mitigation initiatives, having allocated more than $8 billion to help Texans rebuild after natural disasters.

Under Buckingham’s tenure, the GLO has expanded its role in shaping Texas’s energy future. The office recently secured the largest carbon sequestration lease in the world, spanning 1.2 million acres. This initiative not only generated $130 million for the Permanent School Fund in a single day but is projected to raise $10 billion over the next decade while creating up to 50,000 new jobs.

In an era of increasing federal regulation, the Land Commissioner has emerged as a key defender of Texas’s interests. Buckingham is currently leading legal challenges against federal initiatives she sees as threatening to Texas’s energy industry, from LNG moratoriums to endangered species regulations. She’s also pioneering research into produced water management and advocating for emerging technologies like salt-cooled nuclear reactors.

“My mission statement for the General Land Office is clear,” Buckingham says. “We are here to serve the people we are supposed to serve and do it well.” In practice, this means balancing multiple priorities: maximizing revenue for Texas schoolchildren, protecting natural resources, supporting veterans, preserving historical landmarks, and defending the state’s energy independence – all while preparing for future challenges.

For Buckingham, it’s a role that demands both vision and practical leadership. “We really look out across Texas,” she explains, “and everything that we touch, we try to look out and say, ‘How can we be transformational for what Texas needs in the future while we’re within our rails?’” It’s an approach that’s redefining what the Land Commissioner’s office can achieve for the people of Texas.

As Texas Land Commissioner, Dr. Buckingham envisions a future where Texas maintains its energy independence while embracing strategic innovation. Her approach centers on strengthening traditional oil and gas production while selectively incorporating new technologies that align with the state’s economic and environmental interests.

“My goal is simple,” Buckingham states, “to ensure Texas oil and gas operations continue to grow so that Texans can continue to thrive, meet our increasing energy demands, and broaden our horizons to produce enough energy for generations to come.” This vision is particularly significant given that Texas currently produces 42% of the nation’s oil and 27% of its natural gas.

Buckingham’s strategy includes several key components.

At the core of her vision is an unwavering defense of Texas’s oil and gas industry. She actively opposes federal restrictions and ESG policies that could hamper energy production, viewing them as threats to economic vitality and energy security. Her office has taken concrete steps in this direction, including leading legal challenges against federal regulations and actively blocking initiatives that she believes could harm the industry.

While firmly supporting traditional energy, Buckingham recognizes the need for technological advancement. She’s particularly interested in emerging technologies like salt-cooled nuclear reactors and hydrogen energy. Under her leadership, the General Land Office has embraced carbon sequestration initiatives, including a groundbreaking 1.2-million-acre carbon sequestration lease that generated $130 million for the Permanent School Fund in a single day.

Buckingham advocates for what she calls “clean, dependable energy sources,” emphasizing that Texas produces natural gas more cleanly than anywhere else in the world. Her office has taken leadership in addressing industry challenges, including research on produced water management and innovative solutions for orphaned wells.

Understanding Texas’s rapid growth—approximately 1,300 people move to the state daily—Buckingham emphasizes the need for a stable power grid. Her office is actively exploring various energy solutions, including geothermal opportunities on newly acquired state lands. She’s particularly focused on supporting data centers and other high-energy-demand facilities that are crucial to Texas’s economic future.

Buckingham takes a calculated approach to alternative energy sources, strongly favoring those she believes offer reliable, efficient power generation. She has expressed skepticism about wind and solar energy, citing concerns about reliability, environmental impact, and disposal challenges. Instead, she advocates for focusing on proven energy sources while exploring promising new technologies like small modular nuclear reactors.

A key component of Buckingham’s vision is maintaining Texas’s position as a global energy leader. She frequently points out that if Texas were a sovereign nation, it would have the eighth strongest economy in the world, largely due to its energy sector. Her strategy aims to build on this foundation while creating new revenue streams for Texas schools through innovative energy projects and land management.

Looking ahead, Buckingham envisions a Texas that remains energy independent while leading in technological innovation. Her approach suggests a future where traditional energy sources remain dominant but are complemented by carefully selected new technologies that meet her criteria for reliability, efficiency, and economic benefit to Texans.

Buckingham has prioritized Texas’s role as a global energy leader, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to advance the state’s energy industry while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition to championing initiatives in carbon sequestration, a critical component of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting innovative nuclear technologies aimed at diversifying the state’s energy portfolio, her office has facilitated partnerships to develop renewable energy projects on state lands, showcasing her commitment to both traditional and emerging energy sources.

Simultaneously, Buckingham has advanced innovative solutions to address industry challenges, such as produced water management and habitat restoration. Her office has allocated substantial resources to plugging orphaned wells, including a $10 million fund dedicated to the Railroad Commission for this purpose. These efforts underscore her dedication to ensuring sustainable land use and minimizing the environmental impact of energy production.

A hallmark of her tenure has been her efforts to maximize the potential of state lands through revenue-generating activities like mineral rights management and agricultural leasing. By fostering strategic collaborations with energy companies, Buckingham ensures that state resources are managed efficiently and profitably, contributing significant funds to the Permanent School Fund while maintaining environmental integrity.

Her office has also played a pivotal role in disaster recovery and flood mitigation, allocating over $8 billion toward recovery efforts. Buckingham’s accelerated Hurricane Harvey recovery initiatives have assisted thousands of families with home rebuilding and repairs, while supporting the reconstruction of affordable rental units. These efforts highlight her dedication to ensuring resilience in Texas communities.

With a mission to “serve the people we are supposed to serve and do it well,” Buckingham’s balanced approach to economic development and environmental stewardship has positioned the GLO as a leader in resource management, disaster recovery, and sustainable innovation.

As a ninth-generation Texan and Daughter of the Republic of Texas, Dawn Buckingham brings a deeply personal connection to her role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage, particularly her stewardship of the Alamo. Her leadership reflects a commitment to honoring history while creating educational opportunities for future generations, blending reverence for the past with a forward-looking vision.

One of Buckingham’s signature initiatives is the ambitious $550 million Alamo preservation project, aimed at safeguarding one of Texas’s most iconic landmarks. With $400 million secured from the Texas Legislature through collaboration with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the project emphasizes restoration rather than reimagination. Key components include critical structural repairs, the development of a 100,000-square-foot museum, and the creation of a children’s education center. Buckingham’s approach prioritizes preserving the site’s historical integrity while enhancing its accessibility and educational value.

A cornerstone of Buckingham’s vision is fostering a deeper understanding of Texas’s history among younger generations. The new facilities at the Alamo will provide educational resources tailored to students from early childhood through high school, offering interactive learning experiences that bring history to life. The museum will showcase historical artifacts and focus on teaching Texas’s rich history of liberty and independence, ensuring these stories resonate with modern audiences.

Beyond the Alamo, Buckingham oversees the General Land Office’s efforts to preserve Texas’s largest and oldest map archive. These documents are crucial to understanding the state’s history and evolution, serving not only as a resource for land management but also as a foundation for research and educational initiatives. This commitment to historical document preservation underscores Buckingham’s dedication to maintaining the authenticity and accessibility of Texas’s cultural legacy.

Buckingham’s philosophy prioritizes authentic preservation over modernization, ensuring historical accuracy while making history relevant for today’s audiences. She describes cultural preservation as “the single most important thing I do,” reflecting her passion for connecting current and future generations with their heritage. Under her leadership, sites like the Alamo are not only preserved but revitalized as enduring symbols of Texas’s storied past and inspiring reminders of its enduring legacy.

Dawn Buckingham’s tenure as Texas Land Commissioner represents a transformative era for the state. By championing energy innovation, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation, she has ensured Texas remains a leader on multiple fronts. Her forward-thinking leadership balances tradition with innovation, securing a prosperous future while honoring the state’s rich heritage. Buckingham’s legacy will be defined by her unwavering commitment to serving Texans and shaping the GLO into a dynamic force for progress.

Looking ahead, Dr. Buckingham’s vision for a prosperous, energy-independent, and environmentally conscious Texas stands as a testament to her commitment to the state’s enduring legacy. Her leadership philosophy, characterized by practical solutions and a tireless work ethic, serves as an inspiring model for public service. As Texas faces the challenges of tomorrow, Dawn Buckingham’s tenure will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the state’s history.

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