LUBBOCK – Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick today served as a guest lecturer at Texas Tech University School of Law’s Energy Law Lecture Series. Chairman Craddick discussed the current state of the Texas energy industry and the Commission’s role in protecting Texans, our natural resources and providing a stable regulatory environment for the oil and gas industry.

“What some refer to as the Texas Miracle is actually the result of a thoughtful, deliberate and careful framework built over decades that permits businesses to thrive within a strong, yet sensible regulatory structure,” Craddick said. “Railroad Commission rules, grounded in science and fact, combined with a well-educated workforce, highly developed infrastructure, and an abundance of proven reserves attracts the oil and gas industry to Texas. I expect these factors will keep Texas number one in energy production for the long-term future.”

Stressing the importance of the industry’s role in supporting the Texas economy and maintaining the industry’s workforce during times of a downturn, Chairman Craddick urged students with an interest in the industry to stay the course.

“Energy companies have embraced cutting-edge technology that maximizes the efficiency of their operations. That technology will carry Texas through the current OPEC-driven pricing slump even as low per-barrel prices halt energy sectors in other oil-producing nations. As a result, I am hopeful that industry will be able to better-weather the current decline and that Texas producers will be in a position to take advantage of the market when prices recover.”