Chairman Craddick Applauds Legislature for Prioritizing Railroad Commission Funding

FY 2020-21 Budget Includes Additional Inspectors, IT Upgrades

AUSTIN – Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick today thanked the 86th Texas Legislature for prioritizing the important role the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) plays in keeping the state’s citizens and natural resources safe. The Legislature’s FY 2020-2021 budget includes increased funding for the RRC to strengthen the agency’s inspection and enforcement capabilities, as well as increases transparency for the public.

“The Texas oil and gas industry continues to lead the world in energy production. We appreciate that the Legislature recognizes that it is critical for the Railroad Commission to have the resources necessary to protect the citizens, environment and economy of Texas,” Craddick said.

“By prioritizing funding for the Railroad Commission, the Legislature has given us the tools we need to maintain a predictable regulatory environment that will continue to attract jobs and capital investment across Texas,” Craddick said. “Texas oil and gas producers generate billions of dollars for state and local tax coffers, lowering Texan’s overall tax burden while providing critical funding for schools, roads and water infrastructure. We, at the Commission, are proud to serve Texas to work to ensure the safe production of our natural resources.”

House Bill 1 appropriates approximately $283.6 million for the biennium, including an increase of 22 FTEs.

The funding includes the following items, with a focus on additional staff inspectors and IT program upgrades:

• 22 new oil and gas and pipeline safety inspectors;
• $26.9 million to replace antiquated mainframe permitting system;
• $39.1 million to fund a robust well plugging and site remediation program;

House Bill 1 is currently pending the Governor’s signature into law.

Christi Craddick was reelected statewide by the people of Texas in November 2018 to serve 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.