Nearly five years after issuing a ruling cheered by property rights advocates, the Texas Supreme Court is set to rehear a case pitting two Texas brothers against a pipeline company that seized their land through eminent domain.
Texas Railroad Commission
Posted in
Economy
As Oil Prices Fell, Texas Campaign Donations Followed
For decades, the petroleum industry has largely fueled Texas’ influence in national Republican politics. But operatives are seeing early signs that the current oil bust has depressed the sector’s political giving.
Posted in
Economy
Railroad Commission Hopeful Unclear on Agency’s Duties
Wayne Christian, a candidate for Texas railroad commissioner, frequently touts his energy expertise. But he did not know one of the agency’s key duties — regulating natural gas utilities — until a reporter told him.
Posted in
Economy
Gary Gates, Wayne Christian Advance to Railroad Commission Runoff
The Republican race for Texas Railroad Commission is chugging toward a runoff between Rosenberg rancher and real estate mogul Gary Gates and former state Rep. Wayne Christian.
Posted in
Energy
Geoscientist’s Latest Experiment: Running for Statewide Office
In the Republican primary for Texas Railroad Commission, Lance Christian — a political novice — is embarking on something of an experiment: Can the agency staffer win statewide office based on scientific expertise alone?
Posted in
Energy
Video: A Conversation with GOP Railroad Commission Candidates
Full video of my 2/8 conversation with seven Republican candidates for Texas Railroad Commissioner.
Posted in
Energy
Railroad Commission Hopefuls Split on Donations
Candidates Ron Hale, Weston Martinez and Lance Christian say they would support a proposal barring railroad commissioners from accepting political donations from parties doing business before the commission.
Posted in
Economy
Disconnect for Ted Cruz Between Pipeline Stance and Attack on Trump
Despite a recent ad bashing Donald Trump for employing eminent domain for a parking lot, Ted Cruz has backed the Keystone XL and other pipeline projects that would use the same controversial tool to displace landowners.
Posted in
Energy
After Brief Hiatus, Wayne Christian Resumes Run for Railroad Commission
Wayne Christian has resumed his campaign for Texas railroad commissioner, ending a short hiatus that shook up the Republican primary contest.
Posted in
Economy
Big Bend Pipeline Now Closer to Approval
A coalition of ranchers, environmentalists and disgruntled landowners has suffered a major setback in its battle to block a proposed pipeline that would carry natural gas beneath 143 miles of largely untouched Big Bend-area land.
