Dear Friend,

On Giving Tuesday, we wanted to thank you for your help and support. Commission Shift is the only advocacy group in Texas solely dedicated to transforming our state oil and gas agency, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).

Our goal is to hold the RRC accountable, and fight for stronger oil and gas oversight that better serves the environment and the people of Texas. Our state is home to a booming oil and gas industry, but we believe that this growth should never come at the expense of our health, safety, and environment.

With your support, we have accomplished so much in the past year. We have pushed for stronger rules on flaring, leaking, and venting of methane gas, which is a major contributor to climate change. We have connected with impacted Texans and helped bring their stories to decision makers. We have also fought to protect our groundwater resources from contamination, and we have held the RRC accountable for its role in better public outreach and language accessibility.

But there is still so much work to be done. The RRC needs to be a more transparent and proactive agency, and we need to continue fighting for stronger safeguards that protect our communities and our environment.

Your donation on Giving Tuesday will help us continue this important work. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Texans and in the future of our state. Thank you for your support, and for standing with us in this crucial fight.

Sincerely,
The Commission Shift Team

Tell the EPA: Don’t Let Carbon Injection Waste Poison our Future

One of the best ways to help hold the RRC accountable is to limit the agency from gaining more power and responsibilities they aren’t ready for. As the Railroad Commission seeks EPA approval to oversee carbon dioxide injection wells in Texas, now is the time to urge the EPA to protect our groundwater and deny the RRC’s application to oversee these dangerous projects.


CCS involves injecting highly pressurized carbon dioxide waste deep into the earth below our communities into storage wells and aquifers.  If proper oversight is not conducted, underground sources of drinking water can be permanently contaminated with strong acids and harmful chemicals such as lead, arsenic, and more.  

The Railroad Commission of Texas, the state's oil and gas regulator, has demonstrated a consistently poor record of environmental oversight.

We urge you to sign the petition to the EPA voicing your concern over their proposal to rapidly build out carbon capture and storage projects in Texas without rigorous oversight or proper community engagement.

Nov. 1: Carbon180 Carbon Removers Summit - Washington, DC

Commission Shift Policy Manager, Paige Powell, presented on regulatory blindspots and stronger conditions needed for responsible carbon storage. Learn more about the summit here.

Nov. 2 - 3: The Southwest Division of the American Association of Geographers Conference - Laredo, TX

Commission Shift and Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) presented on venting and flaring data and compliance frameworks in Texas. Even though methane has come under more scrutiny as a potent greenhouse gas, the Railroad Commission has continued to approve virtually all flaring and venting rule exception requests.

Pictured: Virginia Palacios with the RGISC team.

Nov. 13: RRC 101 Cafecito - Carrizo Springs, TX

Commission Shift organizer Jose Corpus met with Carrizo Springs residents to discuss the Railroad Commission and oil and gas issues affecting them.

Nov. 15: CCS Deep Dive Webinar Part 2
Missing Regulatory Frameworks: Putting Communities at Risk

We now have recordings available for part 1 and Part 2 of our CCS Deep Dive series. Want to know more about carbon capture and injection wells? Start here!

Nov. 16 - 17: DOE Carbon Management Summit - Houston, TX

The U.S. The Department of Energy, Rice University, and Climate Now hosted the first of more planned dialogues on CCS with various experts in attendance. Carbon management is missing perspectives from community voices, as well as the risks carbon injection wells pose to groundwater, and the need for safe and responsible oversight.

Pictured: Commission Shift's Paige Powell presenting on her proposal towards a Responsible Carbon Management Plan.

Nov. 16 - 17: Pipeline Safety Trust Conference - New Orleans, LA

This yearly event provides a platform for residents, safety advocates, government officials, and industry experts to collaborate on pipeline safety and promote safer communities and a healthier environment. Commission Shift Executive Director, Virginia Palacios, presented on a panel with other community advocates on local pipeline safety and governance issues in the Gulf. 

Nov. 28: Giving Tuesday
Nov. 30: Hydrogen Summit (Houston, TX)
Dec. 13: Railroad Commission Open Meeting (Austin, Virtual)

Tell the EPA: Deny Texas CCS Primacy! 

Sign on to tell the EPA to deny the Railroad Commission’s application for carbon injection primacy!

Wednesday Dec. 13th. RSVP.9:30-10:30 AM CST.For the November public meeting, we followed agenda items concerning pipelines, injection wells, as well as public input from West Texas Rancher, Schuyler Wight, and Commission Shift’s Maria Reyes.

RRC Open Meeting - Austin, virtual

Read our summary of the meeting highlights. 

We're Hiring!

Commission Shift is hiring for a position to expand our organization’s capacity and reach! Are you or someone you know a good fit? Take a look at our listing for Organizing Director.

• The potential for explosive growth in the CCUS sector — fueled by federal incentives and meant to fight climate change — may boost industry profits and help with greenwashing instead of protecting the environment and our communities. 

•  

  McBride Operating LLC’s oilfield waste site in Waskom, TX has caused intense odors and groundwater contamination, spawning a two-year battle trying to get some resolve from the Texas Railroad Commission.

•  

  Hydrogen is emerging as a “clean-energy candidate,” but capturing and burying carbon dioxide to get rid of the emissions associated with hydrogen production is expensive and might not prove as effective or safe as advertised.

•  

  Carbon capture technology in the industry raises many doubts due to its possible ineffectiveness in combating climate change. (en español)

Relevant news stories on all areas of our work and Railroad Commission activity can be found on our website.

P.S. Be sure to follow Commission Shift on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Commission Shift
212 Flores Avenue
Laredo, TX 78040
United States

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please 

(Unsubscribing is not supported in previews).