Editorial by Wayne Christian

While its name might be misleading, the Texas Railroad Commission is responsible for regulating oil, natural gas, and coal — the natural resources that help make Texas the eighth largest economy on the planet.  In 2015 alone, the industry paid $13.8 billion in taxes and royalties which helped fund our schools, roads, first responders, essential public services and the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

Hundreds of thousands of Texans are directly employed by the oil and gas industry. Additionally, a strong industry makes us less dependent on hostile foreign countries like Russia and Iran. In short, every Texan directly benefits from oil and natural gas.

With the oil and gas industry facing tough times, there is a lot at stake in this election. My opponent has spent over $6,231,408.55 unsuccessfully running for office on six separate occasions – I have no doubt he will spend a lot of money in this race trying to do the same. He agrees with Hillary Clinton on the issue of global warming and the production of coal. In fact, he was the only one of 7 candidates to directly state so in a televised debate back in January of this year.

It is no wonder why energy leaders have united around our campaign to ensure the future of the oil and gas industry, and by extension the Texas economy stay strong. In this race, I am proud to have the endorsement of industry groups and leaders like the Texas Oil and Gas Association, Former Railroad Commission Chairmen Victor Carrillo and Michael Williams, and current Senate Committee on Natural Resources (i.e. Energy Committee) Chairman Craig Estes.

I have also received the endorsement of every major conservative organization in the state, including Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Texas Right to Life, Texas Values Action, Concerned Women for America, and Young Conservatives of Texas.

During my time in the Texas House, I served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a member of the Energy Resource Committee. I am the only candidate in this race with experience in doing what the railroad commission actually does — craft the rules and regulations that Texas business and industry must work under.  This is truly an opportunity for us to bridge the gap between the commission and the legislature and come up with policies that will have a positive impact on Texans.

As a small business owner, I understand that the energy sector needs our Railroad Commission to provide consistent and predictable regulations and leadership for the industry. As your next Railroad Commissioner, I will fight to ensure responsible and robust oil and gas exploration continue to flourish in Texas. I would appreciate your vote in the upcoming May 24th Republican Primary Runoff.