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Ryan Sitton's Press Room

News Items - 2018

• Commissioner Ryan Sitton Addresses North America’s Largest Petrochemical Conference

  November 15, 2018
  

  HOUSTON  — Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today addressed the Petrochemical Supply Chain and Logistics conference, North America’s largest petrochemical industry gathering. The conference is attended by hundreds of energy industry professionals actively engaged in the petrochemical space. 

  “Texas’ impact on global energy markets right now cannot be overstated,” Sitton said. “The things happening in Texas oil fields, processing plants and petrochemical facilities are reverberating around the world. For example, between 2011 through 2020, U.S. petrochemical capacity will have grown by 28 million tonnes. And since 2010, 325 projects cumulatively valued at almost $200 billion in capital investment have been announced, many of which are located along the Texas Gulf Coast. As oil and natural gas production continue to rise, more pipelines are built and ports expanded, and more petrochemical facilities start up, American energy is dramatically improving America’s trade deficits and enhancing our economic and national security. Every single Texan should be excited about these developments and Texas’ leadership in the global energy industry,” concluded Sitton.

  

  Above: Commissioner Ryan Sitton pictured with a Petrochemical Supply Chain and Logistics conference attendee.

  Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts.

• Commissioner Ryan Sitton Highlights Global Impact of Permian Basin Oil Boom at PBPA Annual Meeting

  October 25, 2018
  

  MIDLAND — Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton opened the Permian Basin Petroleum Association Annual Meeting today with an overview of how the record oil production of the region is positioning Texas as a global energy leader. 

  “Permian Basin output has positioned America to be a global leader in energy production,” Sitton said. “Oil and gas production in the Permian has grown exponentially over the last few years, bringing with it unprecedented job growth and revenue for the State of Texas. It is dramatically improving America’s economic strength and national security, and I think that is something every Texan can get excited about.” 

  Sitton also addressed the need for more investments in pipeline capacity and in improving Gulf Coast ports to handle the increase in global export demand. 

  The PBPA Annual Meeting brings together industry and government leaders to discuss key issues facing oil and natural gas production in the Permian Basin region. Topics discussed included the upcoming Texas Legislative Session, takeaway capacity, and the regulatory environment.
  
  
  
  Above: Commissioner Ryan Sitton delivering the opening keynote at the 2018 Permian Basin Petroleum Association Annual Meeting on October 25, 2018.
  
  
  
  Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts.

• Commissioner Ryan Sitton Highlights Texas’ Global Energy Impact at Gulf Coast Industry Forum

  September 20, 2018
  

  PASADENA  — Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today gave the closing keynote address at the Gulf Coast Industry Forum, which brought together cities, counties, port authorities and hundreds of energy industry professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the Gulf Coast energy industry. 

  “Texas’ impact on global energy markets right now cannot be overstated,” Sitton said. “The things happening in Texas oil fields, processing plants and petrochemical facilities are reverberating around the world. For example, between 2011 through 2020, U.S. petrochemical capacity will have grown by 28 million tonnes. And since 2010, 325 projects cumulatively valued at almost $200 billion in capital investment have been announced, many of which are located along the Gulf Coast. As oil and natural gas production continue to rise, more pipelines are built and ports expanded, and more petrochemical facilities start up, American energy is dramatically improving America’s trade deficits and enhancing our economic and national security. Every single Texan should be excited about these developments,” concluded Sitton. 

  Earlier in the day Sitton spoke at the University of Texas’ 17^th Annual Gas and Power Institute CLE event.  He delivered similar remarks to those described above.

  

  Above: Commissioner Ryan Sitton delivering the closing keynote at the 2018 Gulf Coast Industry Forum.

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  Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts.

• Railroad Commission Closes Out 1st Mining Permit Issued by the Agency

  Commissioners Approve final reclamation work on Alcoa Mine Acreage August 21, 2018
  

  AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission today closed out its first-ever surface mining permit issued in 1976. The permit, number 001 was issued to Alcoa USA Corp for the Sandow Mine. Commissioners unanimously approved the release of Alcoa USA Corp.’s surface mining bonds after the company met its final reclamation obligations on more than 4,800 acres at the Sandow Mine in Milam and Lee counties.

  "Today’s release of the Sandow Mine permit is the culmination of decades of hard work and diligence by hundreds of people at the Railroad Commission to protect our environment while making sure we maximize the state’s natural resources,” said Denny Kingsley, RRC Surface Mining Director. “We release the site knowing it is in great shape for its next chapter in the story of Texas.”

  
  RRC reclamation regulations ensure that mined land is returned to a condition that is as good as, or better than, it was before mining. Demonstrating the success of state environmental protection rules, the former mine is part of the Sandow Lakes Ranch. 

  During the life of the permit, Commission staff conducted more than an estimated 1,000 inspections at the mine and processed almost 900 permitted actions for this permit. 

  Approximately 200 million tons of lignite have been produced from the Sandow Mine, since the Commission approved of the mine’s permit more than 40 years ago. At its most active period, the RRC’s Sandow mine permit encompassed almost 18,000 acres. Mining began at the Sandow Mine in the 1950s before mining regulations were in place with lignite coal used to generate electricity to power Alcoa’s aluminum smelter operations in Rockdale.  

  To view historical photos of the Sandow Mine, click here

• RRC Enforcement Actions Taken at Commissioners’ June 19 Conference

  June 21, 2018
  

  AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $220,373 in fines involving 132 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

  One operator was assessed $22,310 in an oil and gas docket that went to hearing. The final order for 7B-0307112 can be found on the RRC website here. 

  Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $21,188 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $176,875 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here.

  In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

• Commissioner Ryan Sitton Partners with Radio Show to Produce ‘The Energy Minute’

  June 13, 2018
  

  AUSTIN — Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton recently partnered with “In the Oil Patch,” a radio show produced by Shale Magazine, to produce daily one-minute energy updates with everything Texans need to know about energy prices, current events impacting markets and more. The segment, “The Energy Minute,” is part of a new expansion for “In the Oil Patch” and brings the show to nine signals and five radio stations throughout the state, reaching millions of listeners each week. 

  “We have in Texas an opportunity to become the most powerful energy economy in the world, which is why it’s critical that Texans are up-to-date on energy news, regulations and trends impacting them,” Sitton said.

  “This radio segment is an effective, educational way to reach millions of Texans, giving them the information they need to feel confident about producing a massive part of the world’s energy right in our backyard.” 

  To hear “The Energy Minute,” Texans can tune in on KSIX in Corpus Christi, KWEL in Midland, Freedom 1160 in San Antonio, KRTH in Houston, and KFXR in Dallas. 

  “Oil and gas in Texas are significant sources of economical development and high paying jobs for our great state,” Kym Bolado, publisher and CEO of Shale Magazine, said. “Informing and educating the community on energy topics is our mission, and we are fortunate to have the assistance of the Railroad Commission of Texas and Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton to help us achieve this goal.”

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  Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts.

• RRC Enforcement Actions Taken at Commissioners’ June 5 Conference

  June 07, 2018
  

  AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $349,172 in fines involving 97 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety. 

  Operators were assessed $142,511 after failing to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings.  Details on these Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC website here

  Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $89,911 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $116,750 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules.  Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here

  In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

   

• RRC Enforcement Actions Taken at Commissioners’ May 22 Conference

  May 24, 2018
  

  AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $698,679 in fines involving 232 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety. 

  Operators were assessed $334,090 after failing to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Details on these Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC website here 

  Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $102,039 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $262,550 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here.

  In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

• RRC Enforcement Actions Taken at Commissioners’ April 24 Conference

  April 27, 2018
  

  AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $436,729 in fines involving 108 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety. 

  One operator was assessed $4,800 in an oil and gas docket that went to hearing. The final order for 6E-0304617 can be found on the RRC website here. 

  Operators were assessed $237,539 after failing to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Details on these Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC website here 

  Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $58,015 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $136,375 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules.  Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here.

  In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

   

• Commissioner Ryan Sitton Debuts 2018 Energy Market Outlook

  April 26, 2018
  

  AUSTIN — Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today debuted his 2018 Energy Market Outlook, an in-depth analysis of global energy markets and predictions for the remainder of the year. With more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, and as the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years, Sitton has spent his career carefully studying global energy markets. 

  “With Texas poised to shatter energy production levels, it is more important than ever to be closely monitoring activity and using economic fundamentals to drive decisions about where we need to dedicate resources,” Sitton said.

  “Understanding where the market is headed helps inform what we do at the Railroad Commission from a regulatory standpoint, allowing us to better plan and prepare for increased permit activity, inspection and monitoring requirements and other resource demands on the Commission. This analysis makes clear that the Texas energy industry is well positioned but infrastructure investment is needed to ensure we realize our full potential.” 

  The report examines crude oil, natural gas, and other energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric, and is based on both historical data from various resources, including the International Energy Agency and U.S. Energy Information Administration, as well as extrapolated data from Sitton’s analysis. 

  Commissioner Sitton has consistently advocated for enhanced energy transportation infrastructure that is key to Texas energy capitalizing on its opportunities. With the growing demand for U.S. and specifically Texas energy, as detailed in this report, more pipelines and enhanced ports are imperative to ensure our ability to safely and efficiently transport Texas energy around the world. 

  The full report is available for download here. 

  (Note: Commissioner Sitton’s political disclaimer is included on this report because campaign dollars will be used to print hard copies for interested Texans. The RRC does not have a budget to print reports such as this and campaign dollars can be used for official purposes under Texas campaign finance laws.)

• Railroad Commission Joins PUCT & TCEQ in Supporting Repeal of EPA’s Clean Power Plan

  April 26, 2018
  

  AUSTIN –The Railroad Commission of Texas joins the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Public Utility Commission of Texas in submitting comments on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan. 

  A letter signed by the executive directors of the RRC, TCEQ and PUCT was submitted to EPA today, Thursday, April 26 by TCEQ. The letter includes comments on EPA’s proposed repeal of Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Electric Utility Generating Units, otherwise known as the Clean Power Plan. 

  “The PUCT, RRC and TCEQ support the repeal of the Clean Power Plan,” the letter states. 

  All three agencies previously submitted comments opposing the Clean Power Plan. Those comments were submitted Dec. 1, 2014 and are included in the most recent submission.

   

• Commissioner Ryan Sitton Discusses Public Service with Leadership Flower Mound

  April 11, 2018
  

  AUSTIN — At the request of Sen. Jane Nelson, Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today visited with a group of community and business leaders from Flower Mound, a program of the Flower Mound Area Chamber of Commerce. Sitton shared lessons he has learned in his experience as a small business owner and public servant as well as his commitment to responsible energy development. 

  The group discussed the Railroad Commission’s essential duties, the energy market in 2018 and their personal and business goals. 

  “Sen. Nelson is to be commended for bringing such a talented, and promising, group of professionals to the Capitol to learn about the functions and duties of their state government,” Sitton said. “Energy is the backbone of the Texas economy and it’s crucial that local leaders understand the role of the Railroad Commission and the importance of energy to our local, state and national economic security. One of my top priorities as Railroad Commissioner has been to educate Texans all over the state about the important role the agency plays in energy development and how important energy is to every Texan.”
  
  
  

  

   

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   Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts.

• RRC Commissioners Appoint Executive Director

  April 10, 2018
  

  AUSTIN – Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick and Commissioners Ryan Sitton and Wayne Christian today voted unanimously to appoint Wei Wang to serve as Executive Director of the Commission, effective immediately. Wang has served as Interim Executive Director since Oct. 16, 2017. He joined the Commission in 2013 as Chief Auditor before being appointed Chief Financial Officer. 

  Chairman Craddick said, “We conducted a thorough search for an executive director, with several top-quality candidates. Wei’s knowledge of the agency and experience in Texas government made him the clear choice to help us chart a new course for the agency focusing on modernization and bringing greater efficiency and effectiveness to the Commission.” 

  Commissioner Sitton said, “Serving in an interim capacity, Wei has proven himself an outstanding leader who is highly respected by Commission staff. As our Chief Financial Officer, Wei brought fiscal discipline to the agency, and as executive director he will bring that same focus and attention to detail to every aspect of what we do here every day for the people of Texas.”Commissioner Christian said, “Wei is a deeply committed public servant who will lead RRC staff aggressively into the future at a critical time in the energy industry’s history. First as CFO, and most recently as interim executive director, Wei has been indispensable in the Commission’s work to make sure the Commission is regulating the energy industry in a way that ensures safe, responsible production, while removing barriers to job creation and economic success.” 

  Wang began his career in state government with the State Auditor’s Office. Prior to joining RRC, Wang served as an advisor in the Office of the Governor.  He established the Governor’s Compliance Division in 2011 and served as its inaugural director until joining the RRC. Wang also has private sector experiences working for a healthcare company and a national consulting and CPA firm. 

  “I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence the Commissioners have shown in selecting me to lead such an incredible team of public servants at the Railroad Commission,” Wang said.

  “I am always mindful of our enormous responsibility to the people of Texas. I look forward to working with the Commissioners to implement their vision ensuring public safety and maintaining a fair, stable regulatory environment for the energy industry.” 

  Wang holds a Master’s degree in administration studies and a Master of Science degree in computer science, both from Boston University.  He is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Information System Auditor. He is a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program and Texas Fiscal Officer Academy. 

  

• Commissioner Ryan Sitton Participates in Town Hall Discussing Fort Bend Oil Well Blowout

  February 21, 2018
  

  AUSTIN — Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton participated in a town hall hosted yesterday by Sen. Borris Miles and Rep. Ron Reynolds to provide updates and answer questions regarding an oil well blowout that occurred in Fort Bend County on Dec. 6, 2017. While drilling the well, IWR Operating encountered a gas pocket and experienced a blowout, causing a release of 3,300 barrels of crude oil in a 500-foot radius on the drilling pad site. The incident caused a foul odor to be emitted, which led to concerns within the community for health and safety. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) also participated in the town hall and provided information and answered questions related to air quality monitoring that agency had done.

  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality extensively tested the area where odors were noted and found no health risks. In addition, Houston Fire Department’s HazMat Senior Captain Johnson presented information related to their monitoring and assessment of air quality in the immediate aftermath of the blowout, finding no harmful levels of air toxins present.

  In the days following the blowout, 90 percent of the hydrocarbon release was recovered from reserve pits on the drilling location with the additional 10 percent recovered in soil excavation. The well was plugged on Dec. 19, 2017, and all remediation and clean up was reported by the operator as completed on February 9, 2018.

   “I work directly for the 27 million Texans of this state and it’s my duty and commitment as Railroad Commissioner to ensure that they feel confident in the way oil and gas companies are operating in their communities,” Sitton said.

  “Nothing is more important than public and environmental safety, and I’m extremely appreciative of Sen. Miles and Rep. Reynolds bringing together the community to address their concerns and provide the facts. No one likes it when incidents like this occur, but the Railroad Commission is committed to ensuring that remediation is done according to required standards and that drilling operators follow all prescribed rules.”
  
  For more questions and more information, please reach out to ryan.sitton@rrc.texas.gov.

  
  Commissioner Ryan Sitton and Sen. Borris Miles answer questions from the
  audience on Feb. 20, 2018 at Together We Stand Church in Missouri City, Texas.
  
  

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  Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts.

• Commissioner Ryan Sitton to Reveal 2018 Energy Market Outlook at NAPE Summit

  February 05, 2018
  

  AUSTIN — Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton will discuss worldwide supply and demand, the impact of OPEC’s production cuts on America’s energy opportunities, and reveal predictions from his 2018 energy market report at the 2018 NAPE Summit on Feb. 9 at 11:15 a.m. in Houston.
  
  At the beginning of 2017, Sitton predicted that the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil would reach $60 per barrel before the end of the year, and it did. At the 2018 NAPE Summit, attendees will find out exactly where oil prices are heading, what trends will impact the market, what the Railroad Commission is doing to work with the energy industry in this time of record growth, and how Texas and the United States are poised to meet energy demand around the world.
  
  

  WHO: Ryan Sitton, Texas Railroad Commissioner
  
  WHAT: 2018 Energy Market Outlook — NAPE
  
  WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 2018
               11:15 – 11:45 a.m.  
  
  WHERE: Domestic Theater, Hall C, 1st Floor

                 George R. Brown Convention Center
                 1001 Avenida De Las Americas
                 Houston, TX 77010
  
  MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: 

  • One-page handout of energy market analysis
  • Videos/photos of Commissioner Sitton’s address
  • One-on-one interviews with Commissioner Sitton

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  Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts.

• Commissioner Sitton Talks Energy and Leadership with Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce

  January 30, 2018
  

  AUSTIN – At the request of Sen. Jane Nelson, Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today visited with a group of community and business leaders from Leadership Lewisville, a program of the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce. Sitton shared lessons he has learned in his experience as a small business owner and public servant as well as his commitment to responsible energy development. 

  The group discussed the Railroad Commission’s essential duties, the energy market in 2018 and their personal and business goals.

   “Sen. Nelson is to be commended for bringing such a talented, and promising, group of professionals to the Capitol to learn about the functions and duties of their state government,” Sitton said.

  “Energy is the backbone of the Texas economy and it’s crucial that local leaders understand the role of the Railroad Commission and the importance of energy to our local, state and national economic security. One of my top priorities as Railroad Commissioner has been to educate Texans all over the state about the important role the agency plays in energy development and how important energy is to every Texan.”

  

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  Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts.

• IT Solution Increases Agency Efficiency

  Saves Industry Thousands of Dollars January 29, 2018
  

  AUSTIN – This month marks one year since the Railroad Commission launched a new electronic well log filing system, which has saved more than $300,000 for industry and thousands of man-hours for the agency to date. In the past, operators were required to print and mail in hundreds of pages that they already had electronically, but now have the option to upload the files, making it easier to do business with the Railroad Commission. Reducing the burden from this outdated system has allowed RRC staff to reallocate time away from scanning documents and focus on other important projects that modernize the agency.

  This technology update is one of many Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton has spearheaded in an effort to put his engineering and IT background to use for taxpayers. As the Commission utilizes budget resources this next biennium, Sitton will continue to push for smart IT solutions.

  “The Railroad Commission has long been a leader in energy regulation, but we are behind the curve in technology modernization,” Sitton said.

  “We owe it to the taxpayers we serve to be the most efficient, effective agency we can be, and a huge part of that is eliminating decades-old practices and instead opting for affordable, off-the-shelf IT solutions. Every dollar we save the state and the industry is another dollar invested in our economy, schools, roads and hospitals.”

  A recent internal IT assessment revealed the well log system has been rated highest for customer satisfaction. Since its launch, the system has received approximately 8,000 submissions, saving the RRC nearly $50,000 in staff time and scans.

  

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  Ryan Sitton was elected to the Railroad Commission in 2014 and is the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years. Sitton is one of the world’s leading energy experts and founded PinnacleART, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. As Railroad Commissioner, Sitton uses his technical expertise and business experience to make decisions for the state that are based on sound science and employs a fiscally conservative approach to prioritize the agency’s efforts