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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Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton Names Director of Public Affairs

June 27, 2016

AUSTIN — Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton has named Katie McKee his new Director of Public Affairs where she will lead the development and implementation of a strategic outreach and public relations plan. 

In this role, McKee’s primary goal is communicating the work of the Railroad Commission to the people of Texas on behalf of Commissioner Sitton. 

“Katie has an impressive communications background and she will do an outstanding job helping me communicate with 27 million Texans,” Commissioner Ryan Sitton said.

“I’ve said from the day I was sworn in that communication was going to be a top priority in my office. The only way Texans will feel confident that we are responsibly producing energy is by getting them comprehensive and timely information — Katie will do a great job helping me do that.” 

Previously, McKee served as an account executive and account associate at Elizabeth Christian Public Relations. There she provided a wide range of public relations services for various clients, such as Texas Mutual Insurance Company, St. David’s HealthCare, Trinity University, Southwestern University, The Texas Access to Justice Foundation, and TIBH Industries, among others. 

Prior to joining ECPR, McKee worked in digital communications and marketing at Texas Tech University’s international K-12 online school. She played a key role in launching the school’s digital presence, developing social media campaign strategies and content, and providing graphic design support. As a former print journalist, McKee also brings valuable newsroom experience to her work. 

McKee graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. She is involved in volunteer activities in the city of Austin, and serves as the Vice President of Communications for the Women Communicators of Austin. 

 Elected to the Railroad Commission Nov. 4, 2014 to a six-year term, Commissioner Ryan Sitton won the general election with over 58 percent of the vote. Sitton is a native Texan who grew up in the Irving area. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and met his wife, Jennifer. Following college, Ryan went to work as an engineer in the energy industry. In 2006 Ryan and Jennifer founded PinnacleAIS, an engineering and technology company focused on reliability and integrity programs for the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

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/.