Commission Shift launched on March 2, 2021, just weeks after Winter Storm Uri led to power outages for 4.5 million Texans. Those power outages caused hundreds of deaths, the largest carbon monoxide poisoning event in state history, hundreds of billions of dollars in damages, and over $6 billion in increased gas and electric utility bill costs for customers. When the power outages hit, we sprang into action, reviewing gas production data and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s report on winter outages Texas experienced in 2011. History was repeating itself, and Commission Shift was there to make sure we could learn from the Railroad Commission’s past failures.

On the heels of our latest statewide freeze, and acknowledging the anniversary of Winter Storm Uri — one of the most catastrophic weather events in our state history —  we want to highlight how the Railroad Commission, our state oil and gas agency, has a crucial role in securing our electric grid. In part one, we discussed the Railroad Commission’s authority over natural gas production and past history with extreme weather oversight. In part two, we discuss the commission now and what they have done in the three years since Uri.

Part 2: What has the Railroad Commission done since Winter Storm Uri?

After 2021, members of the public testified and sent comments to the state legislature, and lawmakers approved a new state law to improve reliability standards for the natural gas supply chain. When the Railroad Commission opened a rulemaking comment period to implement the law, over 900 Texans commented on the draft rules, and made them stronger as a result. (Source: Proposed new rule 16 Tex. Admin Code 3.65 Critical Infrastructure. Sep. 14, 2021.)

 

There are still some shortcomings in the gas supply chain weatherization laws. The penalty structure for companies that violate the safety standards is so weak that they may not deter natural gas companies from taking shortcuts. The Texas Legislature mandated that companies not be fined more than $5,000 per violation per day unless their violations were in the highest tier. When the Railroad Commission finalized the rule that implements that law, they constructed the rubric for violation categories so that it would be unlikely for violations to reach the highest tier, so most companies will be fined less than $5,000 if they violate the weatherization rules. The threat of high penalties should be more imminent to incentivize companies to comply with the rule.

Waste Pits Community Meeting

 

Commission Shift hosted a community meeting last month to discuss updates to the statewide “waste pits rules” — we expect the Railroad Commission to announce a formal comment period for these new rules soon. 

Wastewater recycling and landspreading are methods that are projected to drastically increase in the coming years as the oil and gas industry looks for new ways to deal with produced water that has been causing earthquakes and blowouts throughout the state. If you’re not living next to an oil and gas waste treatment or disposal facility now, you might be in the future. Learn what you can now, so that you can have a say in the rules. Watch the recording of our community meeting here.

MOVE Texas Webinar and Get Out the Vote!

 

Commission Shift’s new Voter Mobilization Manager, Porsche Ray, was a guest speaker at MOVE Texas’s recent voter mobilization webinar — our thanks to Porsche for sharing crucial information about the statewide election for Railroad Commissioner and tools for voting! If you missed the Move Texas Webinar, Porsche will be leading our Commission Shift GOTV webinar on Wednesday Feb. 28. 6-7 PM CST. RSVP and tell your friends!

Reflecting on Winter Storm Uri

 

On the anniversary week of Winter Storm Uri, the Railroad Commission canceled their open meeting. Commission Shift held a virtual debrief instead to reflect on the impact of the storm, the Railroad Commission’s role in the power disaster, and how the agency can still improve its outreach and accessibility today. Watch the full conversation here.

Carbon Capture and Storage Deep Dive Part 4

 

While underground storage of carbon sounds promising as a climate pollution reduction strategy, it carries inherent risks. Becky Smith, Texas Director of  Clean Water Action was joined by Lynn Thorp, National Campaigns Director for Clean Water Action/Clean Water Fund, to discuss the threats to water from the underground storage of carbon, and the use of carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery. You can watch that deep dive recording here.

Feb. 28: Commission Shift GOTV webinar

Mar 1: First day of Women's History Month

Mar 2: Commission Shift’s 3-year anniversary 🥳🎂🎈

Mar 5: Primary Election Day 🗳️

Mar 8: International Women's Day

March 19: Railroad Commission Open Meeting (Austin, virtual)

March 31: Cesar Chavez Day of Service 🍇
April 15: New Poster Contest Deadline

Send a Valentine to the RRC 
 

Roughly once a month, the Railroad Commission has an "open meeting" to the public - but as readers of our newsletter know, the meetings aren't very accessible in terms of language services, or ability to make a public comment. Thus public participation and true democratic processes are dampened. This February the RRC even canceled their open meeting.

 

To celebrate Cupid’s month, and in response to the Railroad Commission’s February open meeting cancellation, Commission Shift is spearheading a project to collect digital signatures to send valentines to the RRC. The valentines messages are all about how we love and value clean water, healthy land, safe communities, and true democratic processes. 

This is a joyful way to show our people power at the next open meeting, and let the state oil and gas agency know that the people of Texas want a state agency that serves and looks out for the public's interests, not just industry.

Everyone who signs on to send a Valentine will receive a livestream link to watch the next open meeting and the in person valentine delivery.

Tell the EPA: Deny Texas CCS Primacy! 
 

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.

Join our P-13 Working Group

 

Commission Shift is organizing a working group of interested stakeholders to discuss potential policy solutions to address problems that arise from wells drilled with Railroad Commission permits then converted to “water wells” or P-13’s. Join the working group.

2024 Poster Contest — deadline extended!

 

$200 second place prize

$800 first place price

 

Calling Artists and Creatives! Commission Shift's annual poster contest is now accepting submissions until April 15!

 

Designs can come from anyone based in Texas. This year’s theme is The People of Texas. Messages and images can include the call that the people of Texas deserve stability, safety, clean air, and clean water. We can't wait to see your submissions!

RRC Open Meeting - Austin, virtual

Tuesday, Mar. 19 RSVP.

9:30-10:30 AM CST.

 

RSVP to the Open Meeting and the Debrief

 

Send a Valentine to the RRC

Commission Shift GOTV Webinar (virtual)

Wednesday February 28. RSVP.

6:00-7:00 PM CST.

 

Learn more about our Get Out The Vote initiatives to address the statewide Railroad Commissioner election, underlining the crucial part that every Texan plays in determining the direction of our state. Commission Shift’s new voter guide also contains essential information on voting in the primaries.

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 an Executive Assistant.

Commission Shift and our coalition partners are seeking a Texas Carbon Capture and Storage Coalition Manager (RFP). 

• The Railroad Commission announced plans to sue the federal government over new rules to curb methane and other harmful emissions from the oil and gas industry. Commission Shift joined a press conference speaking in defense of the rule.  
• Catch Paige Powell, Commission Shift Policy manager, discuss “The Risks of Carbon Capture and Storage” on the Gulf Streams podcast, KPFT Houston/Galveston Radio. 
• At the last Railroad Commission open meeting, Railroad Commissioners approved a permit to dump oil and gas wastewater near a Baptist summer camp and year-round retreat. “‘You can do more as commissioners to go back in these cases and require specific things of these companies,” [Commission Shift Executive Director, Virginia Palacios] said. ‘You’re not taking advantage of your opportunity to do that, especially when it comes to childrens’ health.’”
• A “ghost well” -or unmarked well- in Crane County Texas erupted toxic brine water for six weeks before it could be finally contained. 
• The last day to early vote in the primary election is March 1st. The role of Railroad Commissioner, leader of the state oil and gas agency, is on the ballot. Check out the Houston Chronicle for nonpartisan info on the Railroad Commissioner race. 

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

 

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