RRC Criss-Crosses Texas for Extensive Outreach in New Fiscal Year
December 16, 2024AUSTIN – In a state with 30 million people and an expanding energy industry, the Railroad Commission’s outreach to educate Texans about the agency’s regulation of the industry has taken on added significance.
In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025, staff from various RRC divisions attended 38 events reaching more than 8,000 attendees from municipal leaders to the public.
The events provide an opportunity for staff to share information about the Commission’s jurisdiction over the state's vast energy infrastructure, which includes oil and gas production, natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, natural gas utilities, coal and uranium surface mining, as well as newly expanding industries such as carbon dioxide capture and storage operations.
The RRC’s nearly 40 outreach events this fall were a combination of speaking engagements and exhibition booths at events both large and small, including the Texas Municipal League Conference, the Terrell Chamber of Commerce, Texas A&M University, job fairs, and invitations from the Kilgore Lions Club and other communities.
The engagement helps the agency explain what we do to regulate energy and how we can help resolve issues. It also provides an opportunity to collect valuable feedback from the public.
“From El Paso to East Texas, I’m proud of the great work our agency has done travelling to communities around Texas for outreach,” said Danny Sorrells, RRC Deputy Executive Director. “We get to listen to what people have to say, answer their questions and show our dedication to transparency in protecting public safety and the environment.”
RRC staff at Texas Municipal League Conference
RRC presentation to Brazos County emergency plannersStaff from the RRC’s Office of Public Engagement (OPE) help coordinate the agency’s outreach and also utilize subject matter experts from other divisions such Oil and Gas, Pipeline Safety and Critical Infrastructure to educate the public.
If any member of the public wishes to have the RRC speak at an event, a Request an RRC Speaker form is available on OPE’s webpage at https://rrc.texas.gov/public-engagement/.
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/.