RRC Holiday Office Closure
The Railroad Commission of Texas will be closed Wednesday, November 27 and remain closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. The agency will reopen for regular business at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 2.
News
Wayne Christian's Press Room
News Items - 2023
RRC Commissioner Christian op-ed: No Coal for Radical Environmentalists this Christmas
By Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian December 14, 2023
Christmas came early for radical environmentalists at the end of the United Nations’ climate conference (COP 28). These anti-humanists got their wish of a UN pledge to end fossil fuels.
More than 190 governments feverously approved an agreement telling the world and global economy to start limiting use of coal, oil, and natural gas. This will certainly have an impact for producers who will see more bureaucratic red tape and increasing limits to an already drought-ridden financial capital market.
I’d love to put some coal in their stockings this Christmas. This pledge isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on—it denies reality.
It denies the fact fossil fuels power 80% of world energy. Are we going to replace that with wind and solar power? The U.S. has spent more than $15 billion on unreliable energy subsidies for them to supply only about 20% of power. Texans know best how much electric grids can count on wind and solar when they’re needed the most.
Natural gas makes fertilizers that help feed about 4 billion people. Will organic farming feed the world? It can barely feed half the global population at best.
Petroleum helps make 96% of everyday items like plastics, medicine, tech products, and much more. How will society function without modern technology? It won’t and people will die young, cold, and hungry.
Mark my words, this pledge won’t be the end of fossil fuels, but it will make our world more expensive, power less reliable, and nations less secure—especially America. Our nation is rich with fossil fuels that could easily provide our country with energy independence, a robust economy, and national security for decades to come.
President Joe Biden didn’t waste any time with this pledge and had his EPA roll out onerous new rules on oil and gas producers. These new rules will have a disproportionate impact on smaller producers, which make up more than 83% of U.S. production. At a time when producers are facing financial drought from Wall Street and political headwinds from Washington Democrats, that last thing the industry needs is more bureaucratic red tape stifling business.
Battling the ‘Chicken Little’ catastrophists – who want to send humanity back to the Stone Age – is a fight where commonsense needs to win. The war for a fossil future is here, and it’s being fought from Texas to the Middle East.
While Biden and the UN presume the science of a climate crisis is settled, let us not forget that climate chicken-littles have been saying the sky is falling for 50 years. The UN climate models are constantly being “updated” or modified, and their wildly irresponsible climate predictions – like Fifty Million Climate Refugees by the Year 2020 – have not happened.
Or perhaps the myth that all scientists agree on climate change. Spoiler alert! Not all scientists agree, despite what you may hear at the UN or on the news. I bet you didn’t hear about Nobel Prize winning physicist, John Clauser, joining the 1,600 other scientists who have an open 2019 declaration against the climate “emergency” myth. That doesn’t sound like settled science to me.
America, despite mainstream reporting, leads the world in the production of clean, affordable, plentiful, and reliable energy. The U.S. is a global leader in reducing emissions, not through regulation, but technological innovation. EPA regulated emissions are down 78% in the last half century, while the economy boomed by 286%, population increased by 61%, and energy use is up by 37%.
There’s good news out there, my friends. Fossil fuels are saving mankind, and we need to preach its gospel.
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A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Texas Oil & Gas Commissioner Slams Biden Administration’s Job-Killing Oil & Gas Rules
December 05, 2023
AUSTIN – Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian issued the following statement regarding new onerous methane rules proposed by the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“While costs for hard-working Americans are up nearly $11,000 this year everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery store, President Biden’s solution to inflation is to increase regulations that will make American oil and gas more expensive,” said Commissioner Christian. “Petroleum helps make more than 96% of everyday consumer items like plastics, food, medicine, and more. These new rules on U.S. oil and natural gas producers will certainly drive those prices up.”
“These new rules are likely to have a disproportionate impact on smaller producers, which make up more than 83% of U.S. production. At a time when producers are facing financial drought from Wall Street and political headwinds from Washington Democrats, that last thing the industry needs is more bureaucratic red tape stifling business,” Christian continued. “It’s hypocritical to kill clean fossil fuel jobs here in America claiming it ensures a clean environment, and then beg our foreign adversaries to produce more using much less environment-friendly methods. Americans are struggling with high prices and the answer to that strife is simple—more U.S. oil and gas production.”
BACKGROUND:
The U.S. is a global leader in reducing emissions, not through regulation – but technological innovation. In fact, methane emissions in the U.S. are down about 66% and down 76% in Texas. Additionally, EPA regulated emissions are down 78% in the last 50 years, while the economy boomed by 286%, population increased by 61%, and energy use is up by 37%.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here: https://rrc.texas.gov/About-Us/Commissioners/Wayne-Christian/.
Christian Applauds Texas State Board of Education for Supporting Fair Treatment of Oil & Gas Industry in Textbooks
November 17, 2023
AUSTIN – Today, the Texas State Board of Educations voted on its Proclamation 2024 which determines the types of textbooks and materials students will use in the 2024-2025 school year. Following the SBOE’s actions, Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian applauded the outcome and said the following:
“Students need to learn about fossil fuels and real-world energy, where it comes from, how it works, and most importantly how it creates a better world,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “America’s future generations don’t need a leftist agenda brainwashing them in the classroom to hate oil and natural gas. Our economy needs STEM students that understand the difference between dispatchable, reliable power and intermittent, unreliable power. Fossil fuels help power 80% of global energy, make 96% of consumer items, finance our state and national economies, and feed billions of people all over the world. The Texas State Board of Education did the right thing by rejecting radical environmentalist propaganda on ‘net zero’ and ensuring our students learn the benefits of fossil fuels.”
Commissioner Christian sent a letter in early November encouraging the SBOE board to adopt curriculum that would include the benefits of Texas oil and natural gas production.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Christian Opposes Anti-Oil & Gas Indoctrination Textbooks for Texas Students
November 01, 2023
AUSTIN – The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) issued its Proclamation 2024 which will determine the types of textbooks and materials for Texas students in the 2024-2025 school year. As a part of the public comment, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian sent a letter to the SBOE with concerns that the materials would adopt a radical environmentalist agenda promoting ‘net zero’ lessons over teaching students realistic STEM skills needed for high-paying jobs in the energy industry.
“Texas students don’t need to be brainwashed in class that oil and gas is evil, when our schools should be preparing them for the real world,” said Commissioner Christian. “The Lone Star State needs a challenging, unbiased, and practical approach to educating our STEM students, preparing them for in-demand, high paying jobs in Texas’ oil and gas industry. The last thing our state needs is a woke environmental agenda pushed by President Biden and former Vice President Al Gore teaching our kids to hate fossil fuels.”
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Commissioner Christian Accuses Biden Administration of ‘Weaponizing’ Endangered Species Act to Stop Texas Oil & Gas Production
September 28, 2023
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian authored a letter to the Biden Administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) opposing their pending rule which would designate the Dune Sagebrush Lizard (DSL) as an endanger species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With the DSL primarily residing in the Permian Basin region, this classification will specifically impact hydrocarbon exploration and production in West Texas.
In the letter, Commissioner Christian detailed concerns that this unnecessary action could severely stifle Texas oil and natural gas operations, weaken American energy independence, and jeopardize U.S. national security.
“Texas must fight the Biden Administration on this most recent ‘weaponization’ of the ESA trying to shut down oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin,” said Commissioner Christian.
“Radical environmentalists’ favorite legal weapon against responsible fossil fuel production has always been the ESA –whether it’s the Lesser Prairie Chicken or the Dune Sagebrush Lizard,” continued Christian. “President Biden has made it his top priority to end domestic fossil fuel production. And his administration has used every attack possible to see it done be it through limiting federal permitting, an EPA non-attainment designation, excessive methane monitoring requirements, and now another unnecessary ESA designation. Right now, the world needs more energy and it needs more Texas oil and gas, and all this designation will accomplish is to limit that.”
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. Learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Commissioner Christian Pens Letter to Governor Abbott and Land Commissioner Buckingham Opposing Offshore Wind Farms Off Texas Gulf Coast
August 16, 2023
AUSTIN –Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham voicing his opposition to the installation of offshore wind farms in the Gulf of Mexico after the Biden Administration announced plans to auction off more than 300,000 acres for offshore wind energy.
In the letter, Commissioner Christian detailed concerns with wind farms along the Atlantic Coast that likely will translate to the implementation of windmills along the Texas Gulf Coast and suggests actions that could be taken to halt installation.
“Texas must stop President Biden’s offshore wind farms from invading the Gulf of Mexico, which endanger our gulf coast by harming delicate ecologies and vital industries and further cripple our electrical grid with more unreliable power,” said Commissioner Christian.
“From funding his ‘green’ energy fantasies with the passage of the largest climate bill in history to an unrelenting barrage of bureaucratic rules from his agencies, Biden has kept his campaign promise of transitioning America away from fossil fuels and our nation’s middle class is worse off for it,” continued Christian. “Offshore wind is just President Biden’s next ploy of taxpayer subsidized boondoggles that will have far-reaching implications for environmental ecosystems, industries, transportation, supply chains, local communities and more.”
You can read the letter here.
If you would like to learn more about how offshore wind is harmful, check out “Wayne’s World: Energizing Texas.” Episode #14 featuring Meghan Lapp. Lapp is the fisheries liaison for Atlantic commercial fishers suing regarding the offshore wind farms along the Atlantic coast. You can find it here.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Texas Energy Regulator Cheers SCOTUS Decision Reversing EPA’s WOTUS Overreach
May 25, 2023
Today, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that rules in favor of landowner by considerably narrowing the authority of the federal government to regulate “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA):
“The Supreme Court continues to hand losses to President Biden’s EPA, first with an unconstitutional emissions rule and now an attempt to illegally control water and property rights. I applaud SCOTUS for protecting private property rights and the rule of law, reining-in an out-of-control EPA. The battle over WOTUS isn’t over, but this decision is a solid win for individual liberties.”
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Commissioner Christian Statement on Climate Jobs Projection Report
May 18, 2023
The Texas Climate Jobs Project and the Ray Marshall Center at the University of Texas at Austin recently released a report claiming proposed Environmental Protection Agency rules to mitigate methane leaks from oil and gas production could create between 19,000 and 35,000 in Texas. Commissioner Christian has this to say on the report:
"For my entire life, liberals have believed that breaking things will grow an economy. Just like a shop owner doesn't grow his business by breaking the window to his shop, you don't grow the Texas economy by breaking the oil and gas industry with anti-oil and gas regulations based on unsettled science from environmental alarmists in Washington DC."
"Imagine the government creates a water moving program where people use buckets to scoop water out of a lake and then dump it back in on the other side 1,000 times. Then the government sends out a press release claiming their program has added 1,000 buckets of water to the lake. That is what these methane rules are like. It is harmful government busy-work that distracts from the real problem, which is energy inflation caused by hostile federal government rules reducing oil and gas production. It is foolish to believe any government law, rule or regulation has created more jobs than it has killed."
Christian Slams Biden Administration’s Emission Mandates for Fossil Fuel Power Plants
May 11, 2023
AUSTIN – Today, the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new rules for coal and natural gas-fired power plants mandating that they must cut or capture nearly all their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2040. Following the news, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian was critical of the rules and said the following:
“President Biden’s obsession with ‘net-zero’ is propping up unreliable energy sources that only make our electric grids unstable and leave consumers with higher energy costs,” said Commissioner Christian. “This month the Public Utilities Commission of Texas and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission warned that the retirement of thermal-based energies is leaving our grids extremely vulnerable to power blackouts, and this decision will only lead to less investment in those sources and less reliable energy on our grids.”
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Commissioner Christian here.
Commissioner Christian Cheers Job Growth in Texas Oil & Gas Industry
April 28, 2023
AUSTIN – Oil and gas industry trade associations TXOGA and TIPRO released industry job reports highlighting an increase of 1,500 jobs for March in the upstream sector of Texas’ oil and natural gas industry. Following review of the reports, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian applauded the growth.
“It’s very encouraging to see this industry job growth at a time when it’s facing headwinds from Wall Street and relentless attacks from the Biden Administration,” said Commissioner Christian. “Texas’ oil and gas industry can help relieve the global energy crisis that’s been brought on by radical environmental policies and geopolitical instability. This growth goes to show that peoples’ need for reliable energy is trumping the rush-to-green movement that has attempted to end fossil fuels, and it’s an upward trend that I hope continues.”
According to the reports, upstream (exploration and production) jobs increased over the year by 20,000—or 11.2%. Since an industry low point because of COVID in September 2020, upstream employment has grown by a factor of 26 to 4 and has had an average growth of 1,390 jobs per month. Texas oil and gas companies pay some of the highest job wages in the state with an average salary of about $115,000.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Wayne Christian Presides Over 100th Open Meeting as Railroad Commissioner
April 25, 2023
AUSTIN – Today, Commissioner Wayne Christian presided over his 100th Open Meeting of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) since assuming office in January 2017. Christian was first elected to serve as Railroad Commissioner in 2016 and was reelected in 2022. Following the public meeting, Commissioner Christian said the following:
“It has been an honor to serve nearly 30 million Texans as a steward, defender and promoter of Texas’ vital oil and gas industry that makes our 21st century modern way of life possible,” said Commissioner Christian. “Texas is the nation’s largest producer of oil and gas, and I aim to help keep it that way. American oil and gas production is the answer for affordable energy, a more robust economy, and the pathway to stronger national security.”
In 2016, Wayne Christian was elected as the 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner. During his first term, America’s oil and gas reserves doubled with the largest discovery in the Permian Basin revitalizing domestic production[1]. In 2018, under the Trump administration, the U.S. became a net exporter for the first time and helped America overtake Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world’s largest exporter of oil[2]. And in 2022, the U.S. became the world’s largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exporter[3] with about half of those exports being shipped from Texas LNG terminals[4].
Since assuming office in 2017, Commissioner Christian has ruled on 27,905 agenda items. In that time, the RRC has been commended for its consistent and predictable regulations, quick permitting times, and environmental conservation efforts. The Commission has received numerous awards from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and the Interstate Mining Compact Commission.
[2] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=40973
[3] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=53159
[4] https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/fiscal-notes/2022/sep/energy.php
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here .
Mr. President: America’s Energy Security Isn’t Achieved Overseas—It’s Here at Home
RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian’s Statement on Saudi Arabia Plans to Cut Oil Production April 03, 2023
AUSTIN – Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian issued the following statement regarding news of Saudi Arabia and other nations’ plans to cut oil production by up to 1.15 million barrels a day, starting in May through the end of the year:
“First Russia and now Saudi Arabia, President Biden’s reliance on foreign countries for oil is a doomed energy strategy making our energy more expensive and nation less secure. Mr. President, as I said in February, Texas and other states can make up these production cutbacks. Unleash U.S. oil producers and give the industry the support it needs for the sake of all Americans.”
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Texas Energy Leader Applauds Passage of Lower Energy Cost Act
March 31, 2023
AUSTIN – Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian applauded passage of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Cost Act that seeks to restore America as the world’s top producer oil and natural gas.
Following the 225-204 vote, Commissioner Christian had this to say:
“America has the ability to be energy independent, producing our own cheap, plentiful and reliable God-given natural resources -- right here at home -- making energy affordable and the nation stronger.
“President Biden's war on oil and gas has increased the cost of gasoline by 40% and the cost of electricity by 20%-30%. Biden and Congressional Democrats’ strategy is to run up the national debt and beg our foreign adversaries for help, leaving consumers with more expensive and less reliable energy.
“The Lower Energy Cost Act includes provisions important to Texas, such as repealing President Biden’s harmful tax on natural gas production and stopping bans on internal combustion engines and gasoline-based cars.”
Learn more about the Lower Energy Cost Act here.
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A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
RRC Commissioners Vote to Challenge the Validity of EPA Air Emissions Actions
March 01, 2023
AUSTIN – At their Feb. 28 open meeting, RRC Commissioners unanimously voted to refer two actions by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to the Texas Attorney General to challenge their validity.
In 2018 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality submitted the state’s robust Interstate Transport State Implementation Plan (SIP) for National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone – a plan to ensure that emissions within the state would comply with the “good neighbor” provisions of the Clean Air Act and not affect air quality in other states. The EPA disapproved the plan in February 2023, but not before proposing a federal implementation plan (FIP) plan almost a full year prior to disapproving the state plan.
The RRC is concerned that the EPA was ready to ignore the state’s expertise on regional factors, and circumvented procedures in the Clean Air Action by proposing a federal plan before its final disapproval of the SIP.
Not only that, but the proposed FIP also introduces restrictive emissions standards for stationary engines that are used in the pipeline transportation of natural gas. As the state’s oil and gas regulator, the RRC is concerned about how the proposal could hinder a vital industry that contributes significantly to the Texas economy and the state budget.
“When the federal government oversteps in the business of Texas, it is our responsibility to push back,” said RRC Chairman Christi Craddick. “This federal administration has yet again proven that they do not value the profoundly beneficial impact of the oil and gas industry in Texas, and this vote is the first step for the Railroad Commission of Texas in fighting back against unreasonable and unjust attempts to harm this state.”
“The Biden Administration is pulling every pseudo-environmental lever they can to shut down oil and gas production – especially in Texas – where it’s cheap, plentiful, and responsibly produced,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “Biden’s EPA first tried it in the Permian Basin last year through non-attainment, with faulty emissions reports, to no success. Now they are trying it through an overreaching, one-size-fits-all approach with their regional haze rule. Contrary to popular belief, fossil fuel usage and a clean environment are not mutually exclusive; in fact, according to the EPA themselves major pollutants are down 78% in the last fifty years alongside increased fossil fuel consumption. I hope the Texas Attorney General will fight this onerous proposal and return the rights back to states and local officials, who know best how to take care of their own land and air.”
“There is a disturbing trend emerging from the Biden Administration with respect to blatant federal overreach and repeated attempts to undermine the authority and sovereignty of our state,” said Commissioner Jim Wright. “Texas has a long and proud history of protecting our natural resources and our environment and is more than capable of acting in the best interest of our citizens without Washington bureaucrats looking over our shoulder.”
A copy of the Commission’s order approving referral of these actions to the Texas Attorney General can be found at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/nundcgus/2023_02_28_12_15_53.pdf
Mr. President — IGNORE Putin and Unleash Texas
RRC Commissioner Christian's Statement on Russian Plans to Cut Oil Production February 10, 2023
AUSTIN - Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian issued the following statement regarding news of Russia's plans to cut oil production by about 5% next month, the equivalent of 500,000 barrels per day:
“As President Biden doubles down on his anti-oil and gas agenda, our enemies overseas smell blood in the water and are using their production as leverage against the West. We have the natural resources, the technology, and the manpower to be energy independent. We just need the federal government to get out of the way.
“Mr. President — I commit to you today that if you stop your war against domestic oil and gas production, Texas can make up this 500,000-barrel difference and more. There truly is no downside! You even admitted so in your State of the Union address that we will need more oil for the foreseeable future. Let’s start here at home. We can defend our national security and our European allies, all the while increasing supply, reducing costs, creating jobs, stimulating our economy, and protecting our environment!
“As former Vice Chair and current member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC), I’m confident that Texas is not alone in the promise to increase production. I’m sure that North Dakota, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and others can easily help make up any impact on the oil market that this move by Russia may have on global prices.
“President Biden, you can save lives by unleashing American producers. Europe is in the midst of an energy crisis with concerns whether people will freeze to death this winter. Furthermore, high energy prices hurt the poorest populations and nations the most, with 80% of the world relying on fossil fuels. Putin’s threat to drive up oil prices will do so much more than hurt the West and continue his brutal war, it will have resounding unintended consequences to the children and the poor in developing nations that struggle just to get by each day.”
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Europe is facing an unprecedented energy crisis, as critical natural gas has been cut by more than 80% multiplying electricity costs by 15 times.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.
Commissioners
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Christi Craddick
Chairman -
Wayne Christian
Commissioner -
Jim Wright
Commissioner
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