John Tintera, executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil and gas industry, is leaving the agency.

"I understand that he is retiring," said Michael Williams, a former Railroad Commissioner who is now running for Congress.

Commission officials did not return several calls this afternoon, so the reasons for his seemingly sudden retirement are unknown. Tintera joined the commission in 1990 and became executive director in 2009.

His departure comes a week after Barry Smitherman, a railroad commissioner since last July, was elected to lead the commission.

Williams said that he had the "deepest respect" for Tintera ...

Full Story