Craddick: Sunset Review Legislation Comes at Critical Time for Texas, RRC
May 15, 2017AUSTIN – In case you missed it, please see Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick’s editorial on the important and timely passage of the Railroad Commission of Texas’ Sunset legislation by the Texas Legislature published in the Midland Reporter-Telegram Sunday, May 14.
“Passage of the Railroad Commission’s Sunset review legislation has come at a critical time for the agency and energy industry,” Craddick said.
“With Texas gearing up for another energy boom, certainty in regulation is critical for energy companies who now are making hiring and investment decisions in communities across the state.”
In Texas, state agencies are regularly assessed to determine if their purpose continues to be needed. The assessment, conducted by the Sunset Commission, offers the opportunity to make improvements to the way our state government works and to limit the size of government overall.
“At the Railroad Commission, energy regulators, industry and the public work together to craft policies ensuring the safe production of energy,” Craddick said. “We know economic growth and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive and that we must maintain the right balance between robust regulatory stances while supporting a strong energy industry. This careful balance means thousands of jobs for Texans, billions in revenue for our state and energy security for our nation.
“All of us at the Railroad Commission share in the commitment to protect the public and the environment in a way that allows the energy industry to remain an economic driver for our state,” Craddick said. “We look forward to continuing the important work we do for the great state of Texas.”
The editorial can be read in full here.
Christi Craddick was elected statewide by the people of Texas in November 2012 to serve a six-year term as Texas Railroad Commissioner. A native of Midland, Christi is an attorney specializing in oil and gas, water, tax issues, electric deregulation and environmental policy.
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/.