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Wayne Christian's Press Room

News Items - 2026

RRC Hosts Canadian Delegation
March 17, 2026

Led by the Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, the delegation received a briefing on the RRC’s regulatory duties and learned about Texas’ global leadership in energy development.

Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre (left) and Railroad Commission of Texas Chairman Jim Wright shake hands during a meeting at the RRC headquarters in Austin, March 17, 2026.

“It was an honor to host Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre at the Railroad Commission of Texas,” said RRC Chairman Jim Wright. “As a native of the Canadian oil and gas producing province of Alberta, Leader Poilievre understands that energy security and common-sense regulatory policies serve as the foundation of a strong economy.”

As the regulator of one of the most dynamic energy economies in the world, the RRC routinely hosts foreign delegations including representatives from Germany and Argentina last year. Also in 2025, Canadian financial leaders visited Austin where they learned about the Commission’s longstanding relationship with Canadian provinces, including collaboration through the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

“The Railroad Commission of Texas has a long and storied history prioritizing common-sense, pro-growth energy policies and it was a pleasure to discuss the Commission’s outlook and approach with our northern neighbors,” he added.

This visit is just the latest example of how the RRC remains at the forefront of the global conversation on energy production and regulation.

Commissioner Wayne Christian Praises Record Port Activity, Rising Oil Production in Texas
May 06, 2026

AUSTIN – Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian praised reports highlighting the state’s growing role in meeting global energy demand amid instability abroad. Last month, the Port of Corpus Christi reported its strongest first quarter on record. Meanwhile, Diamondback Energy announced this week that it is boosting exports and expanding drilling activity in response to Iran-related supply disruptions, both of which reflect shifting market conditions and the ongoing strength of Texas oil production.

The following statement may be attributed to Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian:

“The conflict in Iran is a clear reminder of the world’s reliance on Texas oil and gas. When America and our allies need stability, Texas energy is answering the call. What we are seeing right now is no accident. It is the result of sustained investment in our drilling capacity and world-class export infrastructure. Simply put, Texas leads the free world in energy production because we have built the foundation to do so.

As prices rise at the pump here at home and abroad, the path forward is clear: further unleash Texas energy. We need to lower taxes, cut regulations, and eliminate green energy subsidies because this surge in oil and gas production should not be short-lived. Texas should remain the cornerstone of global energy supply, delivering affordable, reliable energy to Americans and our allies around the world.”

Oil & Gas Regulator Wayne Christian: Act Now to Curb Debt Growth and Protect U.S. Energy and Economic Security
May 12, 2026

AUSTIN – Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian today warned of growing threats to America’s economic stability, citing record federal debt exceeding U.S. GDP, persistent inflation squeezing working families, and rising geopolitical tensions in key global energy corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted efforts by Iran and other actors to shift oil transactions away from the U.S. dollar and toward the Chinese yuan, stating that these developments, combined with coordinated efforts by foreign adversaries to weaken American energy dominance, represent a direct challenge to U.S. financial strength and global influence.

“America is facing a financial threat unlike anything in modern history,” Christian said. “Our national debt is exploding, inflation continues to squeeze working families, and foreign adversaries are actively trying to undermine the U.S. dollar and weaken America’s economic power. As a former banker and financial professional, I can tell you the greatest danger we face is hyperinflation and the collapse of the dollar’s global dominance. Hostile regimes, namely China and Iran, are pushing to replace the dollar with the Chinese yuan in energy markets while also targeting American energy leadership, and radical activists continue attacking the very industry that keeps this country running.”

Christian also emphasized the central role of Texas energy in sustaining the global financial system tied to the U.S. dollar.

“Simply put, reliable energy security is both economic security and national security. The dollar remains the world’s strongest currency because global energy markets trade in U.S. dollar, and Texas sits at the center of that system as the nation’s leading producer and exporter of oil and natural gas,” he said. “If inflation spirals out of control and the petrodollar weakens, Americans will see their buying power collapse, our economy deteriorate, and global trade systems destabilize in ways that threaten the financial foundation of the United States.”

Christian added that geopolitical rivals understand the strategic importance of American and Texas energy dominance.

“Our foreign adversaries, China and Iran in particular, understand that weakening American energy, especially Texas energy, weakens America itself,” he said. “As a nation, we must fight tooth and nail to safeguard reliable energy and the petrodollar, aggressively curb the unchecked proliferation of national debt as a top priority to restore fiscal discipline, strengthen the U.S. dollar, expand critical infrastructure, and ensure the United States remains the world’s dominant energy superpower.”

Oil and Gas Regulator Wayne Christian Highlights Permian Basin’s Key Role in America’s Record Energy Output
May 14, 2026

AUSTIN — Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian today highlighted the critical role Texas’ energy industry and the Permian Basin have played in maintaining America’s position as the world’s largest oil and energy producer. Christian also pointed to new federal data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showing continued U.S. production strength fueled by Texas energy.

“The Permian Basin is the engine of Texas and American energy independence,” Commissioner Wayne Christian said. “If we want to maintain global energy leadership, stabilize fuel prices and reduce reliance on adversarial nations, we must continue to support the men and women who power this industry every day right here in Texas.”

According to the EIA’s Today in Energy analysis released earlier this week, U.S. crude oil production reached record highs again in 2025, with production from the Permian Basin accounting for a dominant share of national growth, tallying an annual 3% increase. The region, stretching across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, continues to serve as the backbone of U.S. energy supply, driving efficiency gains, record output and global energy leadership.

In 2025, crude oil accounted for 26% of total domestic energy production, helping the United States maintain its position as the world’s leading oil producer. The report also highlighted continued growth in national natural gas and coal production, reinforcing the critical role reliable energy sources play in meeting rising demand.

“Texas is the beating heart of American energy, and this report makes that unmistakably clear,” Wayne Christian continued. “That success is not accidental; it is the result of policies that spark growth in Texas’ energy sector, strengthen our economy and advance national energy independence.”

To view the report by the EIA’s Today in Energy analysis, click here.