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Wayne Christian's Press Room
News Items - 2018
Commissioner Christian Hosts 86th Legislature Energy Summit
October 16, 2018
AUSTIN – Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian, on Monday, hosted the 86th Legislature Energy Summit -- a day long educational forum featuring in-depth discussion and analysis on critical issues facing the energy sector in Texas.
The Summit was held at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and kicked off with a panel discussion on ‘Energy and its Impact on Texas’ featuring Railroad Commission (RRC) Executive Director Wei Wang, Senator Bryan Hughes (R – Mineola), and moderator, Texas Oil and Gas Association President and former Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.
This panel focused on the enormous impact the oil and gas industry has on our state’s budget, economy, and job growth. Across ten oil and gas-related sectors of our economy, the oil and gas industry is responsible for approximately 30 percent of the state economy and pays $11 billion a year in state taxes, local taxes, and royalty payments.
Director Wang noted the enormous gains the RRC had made with the resources appropriated to the agency last session. “We were able to exceed our performance measure of 979 and plug 1,440 abandoned wells, while our Oil and Gas Division reduced the processing time for drilling permit applications from seven days at the beginning of the year to set a record of under two business days in the last quarter.”
The second panel, ‘Energy Education & Workforce Development’ featured Representative Jason Isaac (R – Dripping Springs), Glynis Straus (Conoco Phillips), Dave Bowman (Knowledge Vine), and Jimmy Glotfelty (Quanta). Speakers discussed the unique opportunities a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) can provide for individuals of all education levels from certifications to advanced degrees in engineering.
Commissioner Christian gave the lunch keynote address, where his remarks focused on future challenges, recent innovations and finds, and the path to energy dominance and national security.
“The impact of our recent boom goes far beyond the economic flourishment we have seen in Texas, our energy dominance is literally changing the structure of power worldwide and giving us national security,” said Christian.
After lunch, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers President John Tintera led the discussion ‘Modern Environmentalism & Politicized Science’ featuring Commissioner Wayne Christian, Jacki Pick (Host, The Jacki Daily Show), and Allen Gilmer (Former Chairman, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association). On this panel, speakers emphasized how modern environmentalism has shifted from a positive force of protecting the environment, preserving natural resources, and protecting the property of our friends and neighbors to a movement instead more focused on dismantling energy produced by fossil fuels domestically in the United States.
“Climate change activism only has an impact on countries that are free, you don’t see the Sierra Club showing up in the Sudan or Tehran, so these countries are never going to make good on their promises to the United Nations because they don’t have to and there is no enforcement mechanism,” said Jacki Pick. “It is only the free countries that will suffer under these policies, whether it is erosion of our sovereignty, redistribution of wealth, or erosion of our energy security.”
The final panel, ‘Subsidies: Good or Bad for Texas’ featured moderator Allen Gilmer and panelists, Rep. Mike Lang (R – Granbury), Cutter Gonzalez (Texas Public Policy Foundation), and Saurabh Sharma (Young Conservatives of Texas). On this panel, they discussed whether society should subsidize energy and what constitutes a subsidy.
“I’m not opposed to wind and solar, I am just opposed to picking winners and losers and our taxes being used to take care of their industry,” said Rep. Mike Lang.
Comm Christian discusses the massive impact domestic energy production in Texas has had on our economy and national security.
RRC Executive Director Wei Wang (far right) discusses the enormous gains the RRC had made with the resources appropriated to the agency last session.
Rep. Mike Lang (Center) discusses the subsidization of energy and its impact on his constituents.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. In addition to his duties as Commissioner, Christian was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the Official Representative of Texas on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren.
Commissioner Wayne Christian Addresses the Uintah Basin Energy Summit
August 31, 2018
AUSTIN – Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian yesterday, spoke at the Uintah Basin Energy Summit in Vernal, UT on Texas’ regulatory leadership of the oil and gas industry and America’s path to energy security.
“Every state faces their own challenges when developing natural resources,” said Commissioner Christian. “It is important for states to communicate and work together to ensure the United States continues to expand energy production, and the jobs and economic growth that comes with it.”
The Uintah Basin Energy Summit is an important annual conference where local, national, and international energy companies, support services, and communities come together to discuss the national energy outlook and explore energy issues affecting the Uintah Basin.
“Many believe the United States will surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia as the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world in the next five years,” continued Christian. “To ensure we reach this level of energy security, it is essential for states like Texas and Utah to maintain consistent and predictable regulatory climates that protect the public from bad actors without burdening industry with frivolous costs and requirements."
Comm. Christian Addresses 600 attendees at the Uintah Basin Energy Summit
Comm. Christian visits with Congressman Rob Bishop (R-Utah), Chairman of Natural Resources Committee in Washington, D.C.
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. In addition to his duties as Commissioner, Christian was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the Official Representative of Texas on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren.
Commissioner Wayne Christian Tours Houston Ship Channel
August 23, 2018
AUSTIN – Yesterday, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian toured the Houston Ship Channel with the Texas Waterways Operators Association to see first-hand how petroleum and petroleum-based products are exported from Texas.
Texas is the top producer and exporter of oil and natural gas in the United States. Total U.S. crude oil exports rose to a record high of 2 million barrels per day in May, making the U.S. Port District of Houston-Galveston accountable for 70% of crude exports in the United States.
“Marine transportation plays a pivotal role in Texas’ ability to export energy across the nation and globe,” said Commissioner Christian. “It is the work of Texas mariners and waterway operators that has allowed for our state to change worldwide energy dynamics in our favor.”
“Yesterday, the Energy Department announced that for the first time Texas exported more crude oil than it imported,” continued Christian. “This is huge news that demonstrates how close we are to energy security as a nation. This energy security is really national security, in that it allows us to be less energy reliant on potentially hostile nations overseas.”
Comm. Christian with Rep. Valoree Swanson & Rep. Briscoe CainA 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. In addition to his duties as Commissioner, Christian was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the Official Representative of Texas on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren.
Railroad Commission Closes Out 1st Mining Permit Issued by the Agency
Commissioners Approve final reclamation work on Alcoa Mine Acreage August 21, 2018
AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission today closed out its first-ever surface mining permit issued in 1976. The permit, number 001 was issued to Alcoa USA Corp for the Sandow Mine. Commissioners unanimously approved the release of Alcoa USA Corp.’s surface mining bonds after the company met its final reclamation obligations on more than 4,800 acres at the Sandow Mine in Milam and Lee counties.
"Today’s release of the Sandow Mine permit is the culmination of decades of hard work and diligence by hundreds of people at the Railroad Commission to protect our environment while making sure we maximize the state’s natural resources,” said Denny Kingsley, RRC Surface Mining Director. “We release the site knowing it is in great shape for its next chapter in the story of Texas.”
RRC reclamation regulations ensure that mined land is returned to a condition that is as good as, or better than, it was before mining. Demonstrating the success of state environmental protection rules, the former mine is part of the Sandow Lakes Ranch.During the life of the permit, Commission staff conducted more than an estimated 1,000 inspections at the mine and processed almost 900 permitted actions for this permit.
Approximately 200 million tons of lignite have been produced from the Sandow Mine, since the Commission approved of the mine’s permit more than 40 years ago. At its most active period, the RRC’s Sandow mine permit encompassed almost 18,000 acres. Mining began at the Sandow Mine in the 1950s before mining regulations were in place with lignite coal used to generate electricity to power Alcoa’s aluminum smelter operations in Rockdale.
Free the Market: No Taxpayer Subsidies, No Carbon Taxes
By Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian July 24, 2018
Since being sworn-in as our 45th President of the United States, President Donald Trump has implemented an America-First energy strategy that has de-fanged an overreaching EPA, ended the Clean Power Plan, and removed us from the one-sided Paris Climate Accord, which threatened our national security, our nation’s energy security and the economic growth that comes along with it.
As a result, the United States has regained its rightful place as a global energy leader. For the first time since 1972, the nation produced more than 10 million barrels of oil per day, and many believe we will surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world’s top energy producer in the next five years.
Regrettably, this progress is under attack. A Republican U.S. Congressman from Florida is attempting to undermine these hard-fought gains by proposing a carbon-tax on the American people. This carbon tax would increase the cost of gasoline for American families by more than 20 cents per gallon.
Much like former President Obama's Clean Power Plan, which would have increased the average Texan’s power and gas bills $1,060 annually, a carbon tax is a terrible idea because it harms American families and unfairly punishes one form of energy over others.Unfortunately, picking winners and losers in energy is nothing new in our country. For example, the American taxpayer has been on the hook for so-called green energy taxpayer subsidies for years. In fact, right now, a Texan would receive a $7,500 tax credit from the federal government and $2,500 rebate from our own state government to purchase an electric car.
This is money out your pocket and mine, going to help wealthy environmentalists buy an $82,000 Tesla. That’s roughly $23,000 more than the $59,000 the average family makes in a year in the United States. It’s no wonder Elon Musk is the largest recipient of taxpayer subsidies in our nation's history.
Boondoggles like Solyndra have highlighted the massive waste within the “green” energy movement. Yet we’ve done little to nothing to stop similar debacles from happening in the future. Inefficient, expensive, and unreliable sources of energy, like wind and solar, continue to receive taxpayer subsidies over significantly more efficient, affordable, and reliable sources, such as natural gas.
The inequality of these taxpayer subsidies is remarkable. Wind energy receives $56.24 in taxpayer subsidies per megawatt hour and solar receives $775.75. Natural gas receives 64 cents. This means wind is subsidized more than 878 times and solar more than 1,212 times than natural gas. Corporate investment follows these taxpayer subsidies, which is why companies keep adding more expensive wind and solar power to their “energy mix” – at the expense of hard-working Texas families.But wind and solar aren’t just expensive – they’re also highly inefficient and extremely unreliable. Wind and solar only produce energy intermittently – when the wind blows, and the sun is shines – and it takes 40,000 acres of windmills and 10,000 acres of solar panels to produce the same amount of energy as 12.5 acres of natural gas. This has been done by our knows-what’s-best-for-us politicians in Washington D.C. despite the tremendous amount of data that shows how enormously inefficient and unreliable these forms of energy are compared to oil and natural gas.
Implementing a carbon-tax on American families is a feel-good solution in search of a problem. The United States lowered its carbon emissions more than any other country in the world last year. That’s the ninth time that’s happened in the last eighteen years. This reduction is a direct result of technological advancement, such as fracking and horizontal drilling, and the increased use of natural gas. Punitive policies, such as carbon-taxes, do little to decrease carbon emissions, while increasing the cost-of-living for American families. It’s all risk and no reward.
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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. In addition to his duties as Commissioner, Christian was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the Official Representative of Texas on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren.
RRC Enforcement Actions Taken at Commissioners’ June 19 Conference
June 21, 2018
AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $220,373 in fines involving 132 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.
One operator was assessed $22,310 in an oil and gas docket that went to hearing. The final order for 7B-0307112 can be found on the RRC website here.
Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $21,188 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $176,875 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here.
In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.
RRC Enforcement Actions Taken at Commissioners’ June 5 Conference
June 07, 2018
AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $349,172 in fines involving 97 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.
Operators were assessed $142,511 after failing to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Details on these Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC website here
Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $89,911 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $116,750 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here
In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.
RRC Enforcement Actions Taken at Commissioners’ May 22 Conference
May 24, 2018
AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $698,679 in fines involving 232 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.
Operators were assessed $334,090 after failing to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Details on these Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC website here
Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $102,039 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $262,550 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here.
In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.
Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission Passes Christian Resolution
Compact Will Encourage Federal Government to Look into Delegation of Authority May 09, 2018
AUSTIN – Yesterday, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) passed Commissioner Wayne Christian’s (R – Texas) resolution asking President Donald Trump and Congress, in the spirit of Cooperative Federalism, to identify federal regulations that should be delegated to the states.
You can read the resolution here.
“We are facing a unique time in the history of our nation, especially regarding energy,” said Christian.
“The United States is on track to surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia as the top producer of oil and gas in the world. This is an excellent opportunity for states to join together to work with the federal government to transcend partisan politics and correct misuses of federal regulatory power that have threatened our energy sector, the jobs it creates and the economy of our states.”
According to the action plan, IOGCC will send copies of the resolution to the President, Vice President, key administration officials, and Congressional leaders to encourage them to identify federal regulations that should be delegated to the states to improve regulatory efficiency and effectiveness.
The IOGCC is a multi-state government agency that works to ensure our nation's oil and natural gas resources are conserved and maximized while protecting health, safety and the environment. IOGCC was created more than 80 years ago when six states joined together to resolve common issues and share best practices for industry regulation, minimizing federal intervention. Commissioner Wayne Christian was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott as Texas’ official representative to IOGCC in April 2017.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.
Commissioner Christian Hosts Third Summit on Education and Workforce Development
April 27, 2018
AUSTIN–Commissioner Wayne Christian (R – Texas) recently hosted the third summit for his Energy Education and Workforce Development Initiative. Prior to the meeting, Commissioner Christian testified before the House Energy Resources Committee on related issues.
You can view Commissioner Christian’s testimony before the House Energy Resource Committee here.
You can view highlights of Commissioner Christian’s third energy summit here.
“Texas is the epicenter of what I believe will be the largest oil boom in the history of our country,” said Commissioner Christian.
“As I travel the state and visit with folks across the sectors of the energy industry, I hear almost universally that the biggest hinderance to this boom is a lack of labor. It is important for Texas to be a leader on this crucial issue to ensure the next generation understand the opportunities for high-paying jobs available to them in oil and gas.”
At the summit, participants reviewed a sub-committee report looking into the creation of a new college curriculum that meet the needs of our oil and gas industry and fit in line with existing graduation requirements. That report can be seen here.
Additionally, Representative Jason Isaac (R – Dripping Springs) discussed K-12 curriculum and delivered a compilation of resources put together by the sub-committee on K-12 Resources. You can view that list here.
Other issues discussed were our state’s shortage of commercial truck drivers who are critical to the transportation of our energy resources, and how to help educate the general public on the importance of energy in the State of Texas.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.
RRC Enforcement Actions Taken at Commissioners’ April 24 Conference
April 27, 2018
AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $436,729 in fines involving 108 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.
One operator was assessed $4,800 in an oil and gas docket that went to hearing. The final order for 6E-0304617 can be found on the RRC website here.
Operators were assessed $237,539 after failing to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Details on these Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC website here
Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $58,015 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $136,375 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here.
In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.
Railroad Commission Joins PUCT & TCEQ in Supporting Repeal of EPA’s Clean Power Plan
April 26, 2018
AUSTIN –The Railroad Commission of Texas joins the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Public Utility Commission of Texas in submitting comments on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan.
A letter signed by the executive directors of the RRC, TCEQ and PUCT was submitted to EPA today, Thursday, April 26 by TCEQ. The letter includes comments on EPA’s proposed repeal of Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Electric Utility Generating Units, otherwise known as the Clean Power Plan.
“The PUCT, RRC and TCEQ support the repeal of the Clean Power Plan,” the letter states.
All three agencies previously submitted comments opposing the Clean Power Plan. Those comments were submitted Dec. 1, 2014 and are included in the most recent submission.
ICYMI: Commissioner Christian Column
“The science on climate change is not settled” April 24, 2018
AUSTIN– In Case You Missed It (ICYMI), Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian released an editorial challenging the notion that the “science is settled” on climate change.
“Because of oil and gas, our lives are no longer defined by extreme hunger, cold or hardship,” Commissioner Christian notes.
“It’s easy to forget these things given the way the mainstream media reports climate change. By bombarding us with sensationalist predictions of death and destruction, they make it seem like using oil and gas to drive our cars and heat our homes is bad.”
Commissioner Christian’s column is available for re-publication and can be read here.
Originally published in TribTalk, their republishing guidelines can be found here.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.
RRC Commissioners Appoint Executive Director
April 10, 2018
AUSTIN – Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick and Commissioners Ryan Sitton and Wayne Christian today voted unanimously to appoint Wei Wang to serve as Executive Director of the Commission, effective immediately. Wang has served as Interim Executive Director since Oct. 16, 2017. He joined the Commission in 2013 as Chief Auditor before being appointed Chief Financial Officer.
Chairman Craddick said, “We conducted a thorough search for an executive director, with several top-quality candidates. Wei’s knowledge of the agency and experience in Texas government made him the clear choice to help us chart a new course for the agency focusing on modernization and bringing greater efficiency and effectiveness to the Commission.”
Commissioner Sitton said, “Serving in an interim capacity, Wei has proven himself an outstanding leader who is highly respected by Commission staff. As our Chief Financial Officer, Wei brought fiscal discipline to the agency, and as executive director he will bring that same focus and attention to detail to every aspect of what we do here every day for the people of Texas.”Commissioner Christian said, “Wei is a deeply committed public servant who will lead RRC staff aggressively into the future at a critical time in the energy industry’s history. First as CFO, and most recently as interim executive director, Wei has been indispensable in the Commission’s work to make sure the Commission is regulating the energy industry in a way that ensures safe, responsible production, while removing barriers to job creation and economic success.”
Wang began his career in state government with the State Auditor’s Office. Prior to joining RRC, Wang served as an advisor in the Office of the Governor. He established the Governor’s Compliance Division in 2011 and served as its inaugural director until joining the RRC. Wang also has private sector experiences working for a healthcare company and a national consulting and CPA firm.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence the Commissioners have shown in selecting me to lead such an incredible team of public servants at the Railroad Commission,” Wang said.
“I am always mindful of our enormous responsibility to the people of Texas. I look forward to working with the Commissioners to implement their vision ensuring public safety and maintaining a fair, stable regulatory environment for the energy industry.”
Wang holds a Master’s degree in administration studies and a Master of Science degree in computer science, both from Boston University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Information System Auditor. He is a graduate of the Governor’s Executive Development Program and Texas Fiscal Officer Academy.
Commissioner Christian Encourages Congress to Review Jones Act
March 29, 2018
AUSTIN– Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian (R – Texas) today encouraged Congress to review the Jones Act of 1920. In his letter, Christian said a provision of the Jones Act that restricts cargo from being transported between U.S. ports unless it is carried on American-flagged ships has created a situation in which many parts of the northeastern United States are forced to buy natural gas from Russia instead of purchasing from domestic sources, like Texas.
“Energy security is national security,” said Christian. “We should not have policies in place that encourage buying foreign energy when we have a surplus of natural gas in our own backyard.”
In 2017, the U.S. exported more natural gas than it imported for the first time since 1957.
“Much like the former ban on crude oil exports, this provision is a relic of a previous time that serves no practical purpose in the modern world,” continued Christian. “As the United States positions itself to surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world’s top energy producer, it is imperative we take advantage of this blessing and move closer to energy security.”
You can read Commissioner Christian’s letter here.
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.
A Hypocritical “Hero”
March 15, 2018
AUSTIN - News organizations are welcome to post or publish this editorial by Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian in their respective publications or websites.
A Hypocritical “Hero”By Railroad Commissioner Wayne ChristianArnold Schwarzenegger is undoubtedly best known for his legendary heroics on the silver screen. Covered in mud, he survives the Predator – killing it by exploiting its one weakness. As the Terminator, he protects John Connor from a homicidal shape-shifting machine to save humanity. An unhappy construction worker, he can’t remember who he is, but finally recalls and with his last breath saves thousands of lives by releasing air into the Martian atmosphere.
Like the character he played in Total Recall, Mr. Schwarzenegger must be having a tough time remembering who he is – a former Republican Governor.
In Austin for the South by Southwest festival, he revealed he has hired a team of California lawyers to sue oil and gas companies for “first degree murder” by “knowingly killing people all over the world.” Instead of acting like a Republican, Mr. Schwarzenegger must be trying to play the hero again. The only problem is this isn’t the movies, this is real life, and there is nothing to “save” us from.
Like many of us, Mr. Schwarzenegger had a long commute to work. After he was elected Governor of California, he decided not to move to the Governor’s Mansion at the state capitol in Sacramento, but instead traveled more than 100 miles for seven years from his mansion in Brentwood, Calif.. The only difference: he took a private jet, which cost around $30,000 a roundtrip and impacts the environment about the same amount as a small car does in three years. And when he’s not taking a private jet to work, he’s driving around in a five-ton,12-mile to the gallon Mercedes or going to lunch in a military-grade Hummer.
But now, according to the Governator it’s “absolutely irresponsible” for oil and gas companies to sell their products because they “know [their] product is killing people.” Wait a minute, here. So, it’s okay for oil and gas companies to sell their products to Mr. Schwarzenegger when he needs to fill up his private jet or Hummer, but it’s not okay for them to sell their products to regular folks so they can drive their vehicles to work? This kind of do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do hypocrisy is repulsive and offensive. Mr. Schwarzenegger is not a hero, he’s just another elitist Hollywood hypocrite telling you and me how to best live our lives.
The real heroes are the oil and gas workers – the landman, the roughneck, the petroleum engineer – who wake up every day and go to work to support their families and our way of life. Together, these workers produce around 10 million barrels of oil and 96 billion cubic feet of natural gas each day that fuel our cars, light our homes, and make plastics and many other items we use every day. The industry doesn’t just provide the raw materials to make the things we need – it creates jobs and grows our economy. In 2015, the oil and gas industry supported more than 10 million jobs in the United States with an average salary over $100,000 and contributes more than $1 trillion to our economy every year.
Despite what Mr. Schwarzenegger may think, the story of energy before oil and gas was simple – most work was done by human or animal muscle. This caused the vast majority of the population to live short lives of hard labor in extreme poverty. Before oil and gas were used to power the industrial revolution, the global average life expectancy was only 25 years old with 30 percent of children dying before age 15. During the 1800s, 80 to 90 percent of the population of the United States worked in agriculture and spent 74 percent of family income on food, clothing and shelter. Today, the average person lives more than three times longer than the average person in 1800. This is partly because climate-related deaths, such as starvation or hypothermia, have decreased 98 percent in the United States since the use of oil and gas became widespread at the beginning of the 20th Century.
It’s sad – but Mr. Schwarzenegger has gone from superstar hero to Hollywood hypocrite. On the one hand he routinely uses gas-guzzling jets and cars while on the other he sues oil and gas companies. Given this stunning hypocrisy, I have a question. If oil and gas companies are murderers for selling their product, does that make Mr. Schwarzenegger an accessory for being such a good customer?
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.
ICYMI: Commissioner Wayne Christian’s Editorial Setting Record Straight About RRC
Originally Published in Dallas Morning News Dec. 23, 2017 January 02, 2018
AUSTIN – Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian’s recent editorial on actions taken by the Commission to protect public safety and the environment can be read below. The editorial was originally published in the Dallas Morning News on Dec. 23, 2017. Media organizations may republish digitally or in print.
By: Commissioner Wayne ChristianSeemingly every six months, The Dallas Morning News publishes an editorial inaccurately criticizing the job performance of the Railroad Commission of Texas in protecting the environment for the citizens of Texas. The latest fake-news piece accuses the Railroad Commission of turning a "blind eye to science" by not doing enough to protect the public from earthquakes.
The fact is, the commission is a government agency full of scientists who take the issue of induced seismicity very seriously. As a result, the commission has in place some of the most stringent rules on disposal wells — the type of wells some link to earthquakes — in the country. Like all issues before the commission, our scientists take immense pride in ensuring all our decisions to protect the public and the environment are based on sound science, not irresponsible, politically driven narratives.
Texas is quickly becoming a leader in seismicity research. In 2015, the Texas Legislature appropriated more than $4 million to fund an enhanced seismic network managed by the Bureau of Economic Geology called TexNet. As part of the TexNet program, seismometers have been placed across Texas. Scientists from the Bureau of Economic Geology, the University of Texas, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M, the Railroad Commission and industry are collaborating on research projects to gain a better understanding of seismicity in Texas. Fortunately, the TexNet program and the commission's rules are working. In fact, in October the Environmental Protection Agency released a report that "highly commends the RRC for its actions to address" seismicity in Texas, "including implementation of changes in permitting and operation requirements."
This is not the first time the commission has been applauded by the EPA for how Texas handles issues of seismicity. In August 2016, the EPA stated in a report that the "RRC is also commended for establishing new regulations specific to seismicity, including solidifying RRC authority to take appropriate action related to injection well operations."
Additionally, the RRC is a leader in protecting Texas' underground sources of drinking water. Our agency just completed an exhaustive review of nearly 63,000 injection-well applications since 1982. The findings of the review confirm RRC-permitted injection wells are not polluting any sources of underground drinking water or potential sources of underground drinking water in our state.
As it did with regard to seismicity, the EPA commended the commission's Underground Injection Control program in its fiscal year 2016 end-of-year evaluation, stating the commission had "more than adequate inspection and monitoring" of Class II injection wells (wells used in oil and gas activities) and that our testing and surveillance program "exceeds the minimum performance measure."
While the Railroad Commission is clearly doing its job of protecting the public, environmental extremists have engaged in fake news campaigns to twist these facts as part of their proxy war against fossil fuels. The RRC has been diligent about distributing information regarding these issues, but for the most part studies with good news, such as the recent EPA reports, have been largely ignored by the mainstream media.
If you would like more information, our agency did an in-depth breakdown on the reports and reviews mentioned in this editorial at the commission's last open meeting. You can watch it here. (TIMECODE: 49:35)
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.
Commissioners
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Christi Craddick
Chairman -
Wayne Christian
Commissioner -
Jim Wright
Commissioner
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