June 27, 2013 – Austin, Texas
Policy
Texas Railroad Commission Granted Reprieve … but will it last?
First it was and then it wasn’t – the Railroad Commission (RRC), that is. The 122 year old agency was almost on the brink of nonexistence when the legislature failed for the second time in a row to approve an overhaul of the agency. Instead, it was salvaged for the next 4 years through an amendment to another reauthorization bill. The RRC’s continuation provides a little stability for an industry that is evolving robustly. But the stability may be short-lived because the bill authorizing its continued existence requires a review as to whether other agencies can take over the RRC responsibilities.
Perhaps easier to predict is the future of gas in Texas. According to a , a “leading global provider of energy, petrochemicals, metals and agriculture information,” there are 40 new gas plants planned in our state which make up 80% of all the proposed new energy mix in Texas. Gas can not only be used for power but for petrochemicals in the Houston area as well as for farming uses in rural Texas. In sum, Platt’s concluded that there will be enough gas to meet Texas’ growing demand.
People
Leading the Charge on Energy Regulation
Last week, summer officially began and it promises to once again test our energy resources. Helping ensure our state has reliable, safe and affordable power is the Railroad Commission (RRC), which is our state’s oldest regulatory agency having been established by the legislature in 1891. Today, the RRC regulates the , gas utilities, pipeline safety, and safety in the industry.
As one of three Commissioners, David J. Porter brings a focus on accountability to the RRC’s governance and operations. Porter is a magna cum laude graduate in accounting from Harding University which is near Little Rock in Arkansas and then went on to create a very successful CPA practice in Midland, Texas. Today, Commissioner Porter lives in Giddings and remains an active member of Toastmasters International, the National Rifle Association and the Texas Society of CPAs.
Having been elected to six-year term at the Railroad Commission in 2010, Commissioner Porter has made his mark having created the Eagle Ford Shale Task Force to ensure all stakeholders can communicate and work together in fostering economic benefits both locally and statewide. In addition, Governor Perry appointed Commissioner Porter as the Official Representative of Texas on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.
Programming
Power Partnerships at PAT Policy Forum
Power Across Texas was honored to host Texas Public Utility Commission Chair Donna Nelson (featured in a June 12, 2012 Energy Update) along with Railroad Commissioner David Porter for an insightful dialogue about their perspectives on the recently-concluded 2013 Texas Legislature and how various legislative actions – and inactions – affected their agencies. In addition to valuable one-on-one time, PAT members were treated to a candid conversation with these two energy leaders and were able to get answers to pertinent policy questions during the executive networking luncheon.
Don’t miss out! Join PAT today and participate in the important discussions regarding energy in Texas today and tomorrow.
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