AUSTIN — RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian today refuted misinformation circulating about the RRC’s newly adopted Public Engagement and Participation Policy, emphasizing that the updated policy broadens public access to the agency, builds upon the success of the Office of Public Engagement and modernizes an internal policy that had not been updated in more than two decades.
“I want to take a moment to set the record straight,” Christian said. “Public input at the RRC has not been canceled, banned, restricted or censored. This change is about expanding meaningful access to our agency for the people of Texas while giving the Commission greater flexibility to conduct its meetings. As a former legislator, I’ve long believed we could enhance accessibility by modeling our approach more closely on how public testimony works in the Texas House and Senate.”
Under the previous policy, the RRC automatically placed a general public comment item on every open meeting agenda. That requirement came from RRC policy, not state law. Under the updated policy, members of the public may continue to register to speak on specific items before the RRC, similar to how Texans register to testify on legislation before a legislative committee. Additionally, any commissioner may request that a general public comment item be placed on an open meeting agenda.
“This approach closely mirrors how the Legislature operates,” Christian said. “A House or Senate committee can hold a hearing for public testimony or limit a hearing to invited testimony. When the Legislature considers a bill, public testimony is tied directly to the specific matter posted before the committee. Likewise, the RRC will continue to hear from Texans on the specific rules, permits and other matters before us.”
Legislative committee meetings do not include a standing general public comment period at the end of every meeting for individuals to address lawmakers on any issue they choose. (View example here.) The RRC’s previous policy did, and the updated policy shifts that broader public engagement into a forum specifically designed for it. Any commissioner may still request that a general public comment item be added to an open meeting, giving the Commission flexibility to hear broader public comment when appropriate.
“Under the old system, many Texans had to drive hundreds of miles to Austin for three minutes at a microphone during a meeting where commissioners may be legally limited in how much we can respond,” Christian said. “The new system allows Texans a way to participate from anywhere in the state, engage in more meaningful conversations with the agency and connect directly with the staff who can help resolve their concerns.”
The revised policy provides that broader forum through the RRC’s Office of Public Engagement, which will conduct at least 12 listening sessions each year. Texans may participate in person, virtually or by telephone and raise any matter within the RRC’s jurisdiction. In addition, Texans may continue to communicate directly with commissioners, RRC leadership and agency staff by phone, email and other direct channels.
Commission records demonstrate how narrowly the old general public comment process was utilized. Since 2022, the RRC documented just 102 public comment registrations across 37 open meetings, representing approximately 20 different individuals. Nearly 65 percent of those registrations came from just two individuals, while 38 percent came from paid operatives affiliated with Commission Shift, a special interest group. During that same period, three candidates for the RRC also used the taxpayer-funded public comment process as a platform to promote their campaigns. (View data here.)
“State resources should never be used to advance political agendas. That is not the purpose of public input.” Christian continued. “Public input is about hearing directly from Texans about tangible problems they are facing, identifying areas where the agency can improve, and getting those concerns in front of the right people to address them, without requiring someone to drive 500 miles to Austin.”
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/.
