The Railroad Commission of Texas is a state agency tasked with regulating the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, surface mining, pipeline safety, gas utilities, liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) safety, and propane marketing in Texas.

Railroad Commissioners are elected to serve overlapping six-year terms at the Railroad Commission with one Commissioner, or Commissioner’s seat, up for election every two years.

The Commissioners meet in an open-meeting Conference twice a month. At Conference, each Commissioner has equal policy-making and rule-making responsibilities. As oil and gas issues throughout the state are considered, the three-member body determines the outcome of these important issues.

While no specific seat on the Commission is designated as Chairman of the Commission, the Commissioners choose the Chairman from among themselves to serve in leading Conference meetings.

Regulating Texas’ various energy industries requires a broad base of experience and knowledge about our state’s dynamic energy industries. Commissioners act in a quasi-judicial role and an understanding of Texas laws, rules, differing communities and energy production technologies are vital to effectively serve Texans as Railroad Commissioner.

Commissioners ensure that Texas energy resources are produced responsibly, serving our state by the stewardship of natural resources and the environment, concern for personal and community safety, and support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. Deliberations and decisions made by the three Commissioners are critical to Texas’ financial health as well as the health of both the Texas and U.S. domestic energy industries.