Texas agency’s outdated name fuels confusion over its role in oil regulation
The Railroad Commission of Texas, which no longer manages railroads, oversees the state’s massive oil and gas industry, raising transparency concerns as the misleading name remains despite multiple reform attempts.
Elliott Woods reports for Capital & Main.
In short:
- Despite no railroad duties since 2005, the Railroad Commission of Texas manages oil, gas and mining, but repeated efforts to rename it have failed.
- Advocates argue the name creates voter confusion about the agency’s role in fossil fuel oversight, affecting Texans’ understanding of commissioner elections.
- Industry groups express support for the current name, claiming it honors the agency’s history and helps maintain Texas’ energy dominance.
Key quote:
“It’s important that people understand they’re voting on the commissioners that oversee the largest oil and gas industry in the United States.”
— Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift
Why this matters:
With vast authority over oil and gas in Texas, the Railroad Commission shapes state energy policies that impact climate change, air quality and water resources. An outdated name obscures its role, leaving voters less informed about critical issues in Texas and national energy policy.
Related: Craddick faces competition in Railroad Commission race over energy industry regulation
