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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RRC Chairman Porter Warns Against Job-Killing, Frivolous Oil & Gas Lawsuits

Says Suits Inspired by Hillary Clinton’s Radical Climate Change Agenda

November 30, 2015

AUSTIN –Railroad Commission Chairman David Porter today sent a letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton warning of frivolous state lawsuits and investigations currently being carried out and considered by other state attorney generals. Chairman Porter’s letter points out these suits are inspired by presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s radical environmental claims that energy companies should be financially punished for their alleged contribution to climate change. 

“Radical environmentalist ideology is increasingly masquerading as scientific fact and causing a chilling effect on credible climate science and free speech,” said Porter, who also serves as the chairman of the three-member Texas energy authority. “In reality, it’s nothing more than an effort by liberal ideologues to punish entities that do not share their religious zeal on the issue, and ultimately force the energy industry into a position in which its own resources are unjustly and unfairly used against itself in the war on fossil fuels.” 

To read Chairman Porter's letter to General Paxton, CLICK HERE. 

Earlier this month, the New York Attorney General began an investigation into whether Exxon Mobile Corp. should be held responsible for its alleged contribution to climate change. Clinton prompted the charges in October at a campaign stop. 

Chairman Porter concluded, “I encourage you to be wary of similar efforts in Texas, so that together we can continue protecting our state’s natural resources, as well as the economic vitality of the industry that produces these resources, employs hundreds of thousands of Texans and paves the way for American energy independence.” 

Texas Railroad Commission Chairman David Porter was elected statewide by the people of Texas to serve as a member of the Commission in November 2010. A Certified Public Accountant and successful small business owner, Chairman Porter has worked with oil and gas producers for nearly three decades providing strategic financial advice and tax counsel. He is the senior member of the Commission with a proven record of principle-driven, free market conservative leadership.

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/.