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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Railroad Commissioners Appoint Agency General Counsel

Alexander Schoch Brings Diverse Legal Background to Commission

December 15, 2015

AUSTIN – Chairman David Porter and Commissioners Christi Craddick and Ryan Sitton today voted unanimously to appoint Alexander Schoch general counsel for the Railroad Commission of Texas. Schoch brings more than 30 years of executive and industry-related legal experience to the Commission. 

Chairman Porter said, “Mr. Schoch’s role as general counsel is critical in combatting federal overreach and preserving the Commission’s stable regulatory framework, which is one of the primary reasons for the success of the Texas oil and gas industry. With his extensive legal expertise in Texas, combined with his essential understanding of Commission rules, he possesses the central qualities the agency needs to continue effectively regulating the energy industries that drive our economy.” 

Commissioner Craddick said, “We are fortunate at the Railroad Commission to have an attorney of Alex’s stature and professional experience join our team. Our statutes and rules over the energy industry are unique and have helped to make Texas the nation’s leading energy producer. We welcome Alex to help carry on this honorable tradition.” 

Commissioner Sitton said, “Alex Schoch is an outstanding attorney with an incredible resume that includes energy and regulatory experience. The Commission could not afford someone of Alex’s caliber. He accepted the position so he could use his experience and give back. For that I am extremely grateful.” 

Schoch retired from Peabody Energy, the world’s largest private-sector coal company, earlier this year where he most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. Schoch previously held executive legal positions with various segments of the Goodrich Corporation. He also served as an international attorney for Marathon Oil Corporation. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association, and was recently elected to be a member of the American Law Institute."

 “The Railroad Commission of Texas has a long history of effective, efficient regulation of energy and that is largely the result of sound legal understanding and implementation of the laws of this state and the rules of the Commission,” said Schoch. “I look forward to building on that history with my expertise in energy law and deep experience leading legal teams involved in very complex legal and regulatory issues.” 

As general counsel, Schoch will earn an annual salary of $100,000. Schoch will join the Commission in early 2016.

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/.