Railroad Commission

Regarding “Editorial: The Railroad Commission of Texas can’t be trusted to regulate carbon capture,” (June 15): While the editorial board has been no advocate of the Railroad Commission, even I was surprised by the arguments used to oppose the Commission’s application with the EPA for primacy of carbon capture projects.

If not the RRC, then who? Putting aside the editorial board’s clear bias, we firmly believe the Railroad Commission has more expertise and knowledge in this space than just about any regulatory body in the world. It has been over 40 years since the EPA granted the RRC primacy for our Underground Injection Control program which applies to the injection and disposal of oil and gas byproducts, including C02 and produced water.

With all due respect to our federal counterparts, the Railroad Commission knows Texas. We live here, we know the various geological features, the active seismic zones and the productive formations — all of which must be taken into consideration when permitting carbon sequestration projects.

If the editorial board truly supports efforts to reduce carbon in our atmosphere through underground sequestration, they should reconsider their seemingly reflexive opposition to the Railroad Commission’s regulatory oversight of this important issue.

The people of Texas have a direct say in the actions and direction of the RRC at the ballot box every two years. This paper should have faith that voters act with the best interest of their community, environment and state in mind. I know I do. Commissioner Jim Wright, Railroad

Commission of Texas