Railroad Commission to Hire Seismologist to Study Drilling-Quake Link
The Texas Railroad Commission said it would hire a seismologist to research the link between earthquakes and disposal of oil and gas waste in injection wells. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
After Surprise Quakes, North Texans Discuss Impact, Concerns
After a contentious town hall meeting concerning the possible links between wastewater injection and a spate of North Texas earthquakes, locals say they cannot afford to wait for state regulators to address the issue. Full Story
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![Texas Railroad Commission lead engineering technician for districts 1 and 2, Michael Polasek, inspects a salt water disposal injection well at a Heckman Water Resources commercial disposal facility on the LAMZA lease near Highway 80, January 22, 2012.]()
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Report: EPA Followed Rules in North Texas Drilling Case
The EPA correctly followed protocol when it accused a Fort Worth-based driller of contaminating two Parker County water wells, the agency's internal watchdog says in a new report. Full Story
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Year in Review: Energy
Oil and gas production, pipelines, the Railroad Commission and questions about Texas’ energy grid all grabbed headlines in 2013. Full Story
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Railroad Commission Hopeful: New Textbook is Flawed
Becky Berger, a candidate for Texas railroad commissioner, this week criticized an environmental science textbook that is under review by the Texas Board of Education, muddling the book's path to final approval. Full Story
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Wayne Christian Releases New Texas Railroad Commission Ad
Former state Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, a candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, introduces himself in a new ad. Full Story
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Railroad Commission Candidates Tout Anti-Abortion Credentials
The Texas Railroad Commission has nothing to do with abortion. But that hasn’t stopped some Republicans vying for an open seat on the three-member commission from touting their anti-abortion stances. Full Story
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Steve Brown, a Democrat, to Run for Railroad Commissioner
Steve Brown, a former legislative aide and past chairman of the Fort Bend County Democrats, is the first Democrat to enter the race for railroad commissioner. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Railroad Commission Candidates Promise to Stick Around Awhile
Texans have long viewed the Railroad Commission as a launching pad for higher office. Each candidate in this year's crowded race for an open seat has promised to serve a full term, if elected. Full Story
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As Railroad Commission's Influence Grows, Will Voters Take Interest?
The Railroad Commission, the state's oil and gas regulator, plays a major role in Texas' energy production, which has only grown since the state's drilling boom. But how much do voters care about the commission candidates? Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Wayne Christian Joins Crowded Railroad Commission Race
Former State Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, says he will run for the Railroad Commission, joining a crowded field. Full Story
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Inside Intelligence: About Those Election Laws...
For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders in government and politics, we asked about setting up a presdential race, resigning to run, getting federal permission to change election laws and whether the 2014 primaries will be on time. Full Story
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Railroad Commission is a Stop, Not a Destination
Lots of politicians are climbers, and some rungs of the ladder are more popular than others. The Texas Railroad Commission might be the most popular of all. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Liveblog: What's Left for the 83rd Legislature
The clock is ticking for lawmakers hard at work to pass prize bills in the final days of the 83rd legislative session. Here's a look at what's still outstanding. Check back often: We'll update this story as deals are brokered or broken. Full Story
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![The Texas Capitol on the opening day of the 83rd legislative session, Jan. 8, 2013.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Will Lawmakers Save the Railroad Commission?
UPDATED: If lawmakers don't do something quickly, the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas in the state, could disappear. Full Story
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Search Warrant Highlights Debate Over Commission's Enforcement
An environmental task force's recent push to obtain a warrant to search a Railroad Commission district office underscores the debate raging over the oil and gas agency's environmental enforcement. Full Story
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Bickering Erupts at Railroad Commission Meeting
A day before a major legislative hearing about the future of the Railroad Commission, interpersonal tensions between the three commissioners boiled over at an open meeting. The commissioners also voted to approve new rules to make recycling oilfield wastewater easier. Full Story
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![The Texas Railroad Commission, comprised of Chairman Barry T. Smitherman (center), and commissioners David Porter (left) and Christi Craddick (right) hold an open meeting in Austin, Texas on Jan. 15, 2013.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
On Railroad Commission Campaign Finance, a Battle Looms
The three Texas Railroad Commissioners get their campaign coffers replenished by the industry they regulate, and lawmakers carrying the RRC Sunset legislation seem determined to make a change. The commissioners are equally determined to hold firm. Full Story
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![The Texas Railroad Commission, comprised of Chairman Barry T. Smitherman (center), and commissioners David Porter (left) and Christi Craddick (right) hold an open meeting in Austin, Texas on Jan. 15, 2013.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
Border Coal Mine Plan Advances; Opponents Consider Their Options
A decision by the Texas Railroad Commission has paved the way for an open-pit coal mine to begin operating on the Texas-Mexico border. Opponents of the plan are weighing their options, which include making a request for another hearing. Full Story
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Railroad Commissioner Wants Firearm Training for Employees
With the debate over gun rights still raging in Texas and across the nation, the head of one Texas agency, the Railroad Commission, is pushing to provide training for employees so they can carry concealed handguns on the job. Full Story
![The Texas Railroad Commission, comprised of Chairman Barry T. Smitherman (center), and commissioners David Porter (left) and Christi Craddick (right) hold an open meeting in Austin, Texas on Jan. 15, 2013.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa
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