Holiday Office Closure

In observance of the Christmas holidays, Railroad Commission of Texas offices will be closed December 23-27. The offices will re-open at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 30 for regular business. Expedited Drilling Permits will be processed within standard processing times. If assistance is needed, please email Drillingpermits-info@rrc.texas.gov.
RRC maintains a 24-hour emergency phone line to report any leaks or spills. That number is 844-773-0305

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Railroad Commission Adds New Staff to Leadership Team

December 11, 2024

The Railroad Commission of Texas has hired two seasoned veterans who will help the agency navigate legislative affairs and oversee day-to-day engagement and outreach with the public and the media.

Matt Cope has joined the agency as Director of Government Relations. Cope previously worked for the University of Texas at Tyler as the Associate Vice President for Government Relations. His prior experience also includes work as a policy advisor in the Texas Senate and the Governor’s Office, and as a legislative aide in the Texas House of Representatives. He also spent some time as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service.

“I’m excited to start working for the oldest and most respected regulatory agency in Texas, and to collaborate with the Legislature and other governmental entities to achieve our mission,” said Matt Cope, RRC Government Relations Director. “As we approach an important legislative session, I look forward to assisting in the agency’s work to protect the state’s environment and communities while promoting the responsible production of energy.”

Christian Goff joined the RRC as the Director of Public Affairs, overseeing the agency’s communications and public engagement activities. Goff is a communications and public affairs professional specializing in stakeholder relations, issue advocacy and reputation management. She has extensive experience and deep-rooted knowledge of the energy and natural resource industries.

Prior to joining the RRC, Goff founded and ran a communications firm.  Her prior experience also includes serving as vice president of corporate affairs at an international public relations firm as well as a public affairs specialist for Marathon Oil Corporation in Houston.

“I am thrilled to serve in my new role at the Railroad Commission of Texas,” said Christian Goff, RRC Director of Public Affairs. “The RRC is one of the state’s most vital organizations, helping to manage our natural resources, while protecting both the public and the environment. I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders and educating Texans on the important work of the Commission and the industries it regulates.”

Matt Cope Matt Cope, RRC Director of Government Relations
Christian GoffChristian Goff, RRC Director of Public Affairs

 

About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.