Commissioner Christian Visits Midland/Odessa
October 13, 2017MIDLAND – Today, Commissioner Wayne Christian (R –Texas) wrapped up a three-day trip to Midland/Odessa, where he visited with local Railroad Commission staff; checked out the Fasken Oil & Ranch water recycling operations; and toured the Odessa College Electronic Technology program.
"I always enjoy getting out to our district offices, visiting with staff, and learning about unique challenges faced by both staff and industry across the state," said Commissioner Christian.
"The Railroad Commission is more than just three elected officials making decisions in Austin. It is an agency of hundreds of hardworking men and women across the state, fighting to ensure Texas remains both prosperous and environmentally safe."
While in Midland, Christian toured Fasken Oil & Ranch's water recycling operations with RRC’s Midland Oil & Gas District District Director Craig Pearson. Christian saw firsthand why the company won the Chairman's Stewardship award at the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission earlier this month.
Additionally, Christian spent time touring Odessa College's Electronic Technology program, discussing his energy education and workforce development initiative and learning about the unique opportunities available through their programs.
"The Permian Basin is ground zero for the new energy renaissance the United States is seeing, and operators out here are leading the world in innovation and technology," continued Christian. "It is essential that we continue to train the next generation of our workforce to ensure we are able to take full advantage of the jobs and economic growth that come with the next oil and gas boom."
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.
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/.