What are the advantages and disadvantages of merging the Railroad Commission with another state agency?
I am a strong proponent of retaining the general status and structure of the agency. It has worked well in the past, and with appropriate change and hard work it will work well in the future. I am sure there are some functions in other agencies relating to energy production that would fit better in the Railroad Commission than where they are now. However, in view of the funding problems implicit in the next legislative session and potential challenges regarding which entity has primary regulatory jurisdiction over oil and gas production, I don’t see the benefit of getting involved in turf wars with other state agencies. Is HB2259 workable as enacted? Yes, unplugged wells are an important issue. While we don’t want to plug any well that still has economic value, all other non-producing wells need to be plugged. Yes, things can be changed to make this a more workable law, and I would support any items that make this law more workable while still fulfilling its underlying intent. Does the
