Holiday Office Closure

In observance of the Christmas holidays, Railroad Commission of Texas offices will be closed December 23-27. The offices will re-open at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 30 for regular business. Expedited Drilling Permits will be processed within standard processing times. If assistance is needed, please email Drillingpermits-info@rrc.texas.gov.
RRC maintains a 24-hour emergency phone line to report any leaks or spills. That number is 844-773-0305

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Christian Blasts Biden’s LNG Attack at House Committee Hearing

May 02, 2024

Today, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian testified before the House Select Committee on Protecting Texas Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Exports.

Earlier this year, the Biden Administration announced it was pausing approval for pending and future applications to export LNG. Texas ships out about half of the nation’s LNG. In 2023, Texas increased its LNG exports to Europe substantially, reaching a record-high of 8.1 billion cubic feet per day in October 2023.

“Throughout his time in office, President Biden has unnecessarily put the United States and our allies at a severe geopolitical disadvantage just for the sake of virtue signaling that he is progressive on climate change,” said Commissioner Christian. “His pause on LNG exports is nothing more than election year politics at its worst because it will do nothing to reduce emissions, while making energy more expensive and less accessible for our allies in their time of need.” 

“Since taking office, the Biden administration has used every attack possible to destroy Texas oil and gas from EPA nonattainment threats to Endangered Species Act designations, adding red tape and creating new taxes, and flooding the market with billions of taxpayer dollars for more wind and solar,” continued Christian. “Texas LNG is the hope for the free world. At today’s hearing, Texas leaders sent a clear message that we will continue to fight this ‘keep-it-in-the-ground’ agenda, because providing life-saving reliable energy to the world is our responsibility.”

In January, Christian sent a letter to President Biden urging him not to move forward with the pause on new LNG projects. Then in February, he applauded House Republicans for passing H.R. 7176, which could overturn Biden’s actions on LNG.

Commissioner Christian testifying before the House Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports at Lamar State College in Port Arthur, TX. 
Commissioner Christian testifying before the House Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports at Lamar State College in Port Arthur, TX.

Commissioner Christian testifying before the House Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports at Lamar State College in Port Arthur, TX.

 

A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.

About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.