Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission Passes Christian Resolution

Compact Will Encourage Federal Government to Look into Delegation of Authority

AUSTIN – Yesterday, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) passed Commissioner Wayne Christian’s (R – Texas) resolution asking President Donald Trump and Congress, in the spirit of Cooperative Federalism, to identify federal regulations that should be delegated to the states. 

You can read the resolution here. 

“We are facing a unique time in the history of our nation, especially regarding energy,” said Christian.

“The United States is on track to surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia as the top producer of oil and gas in the world. This is an excellent opportunity for states to join together to work with the federal government to transcend partisan politics and correct misuses of federal regulatory power that have threatened our energy sector, the jobs it creates and the economy of our states.” 

According to the action plan, IOGCC will send copies of the resolution to the President, Vice President, key administration officials, and Congressional leaders to encourage them to identify federal regulations that should be delegated to the states to improve regulatory efficiency and effectiveness. 

The IOGCC is a multi-state government agency that works to ensure our nation's oil and natural gas resources are conserved and maximized while protecting health, safety and the environment. IOGCC was created more than 80 years ago when six states joined together to resolve common issues and share best practices for industry regulation, minimizing federal intervention. Commissioner Wayne Christian was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott as Texas’ official representative to IOGCC in April 2017. 

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.