Commissioner Christian Hosts Third Summit on Education and Workforce Development

AUSTIN–Commissioner Wayne Christian (R – Texas) recently hosted the third summit for his Energy Education and Workforce Development Initiative. Prior to the meeting, Commissioner Christian testified before the House Energy Resources Committee on related issues. 

You can view Commissioner Christian’s testimony before the House Energy Resource Committee here. 

You can view highlights of Commissioner Christian’s third energy summit here. 

“Texas is the epicenter of what I believe will be the largest oil boom in the history of our country,” said Commissioner Christian.

“As I travel the state and visit with folks across the sectors of the energy industry, I hear almost universally that the biggest hinderance to this boom is a lack of labor. It is important for Texas to be a leader on this crucial issue to ensure the next generation understand the opportunities for high-paying jobs available to them in oil and gas.” 

At the summit, participants reviewed a sub-committee report looking into the creation of a new college curriculum that meet the needs of our oil and gas industry and fit in line with existing graduation requirements. That report can be seen here.

Additionally, Representative Jason Isaac (R – Dripping Springs) discussed K-12 curriculum and delivered a compilation of resources put together by the sub-committee on K-12 Resources. You can view that list here. 

Other issues discussed were our state’s shortage of commercial truck drivers who are critical to the transportation of our energy resources, and how to help educate the general public on the importance of energy in the State of Texas. 

A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.