Craddick: Texas Is the Bellwether of U.S. Energy Investment through the Downturn

HOUSTON – Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick today reflected on the opportunities ahead as Texas invests in future energy development during her keynote remarks at the University of Houston Law Center for Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Spring Lecture Series.

“Through the downturn, Texas and our oil and gas industry stands to gain a great deal in investments such as a strong regulatory structure, infrastructure and work force that will benefit our state and keep us first in national energy production for the long haul,” Craddick said. “Now is the time for the Commission to focus on fine-tuning our rules for optimal business growth while also continuing our agency’s primary mission of protecting public safety and natural resources. This is also a good time for industry to develop its infrastructure and support education efforts for technically skilled laborers. Texas has led the nation in energy production since the beginning of oil and gas development in this nation, and we are continuing to make progress even today.”

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.