Commissioner David J. Porter

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David J. Porter is a principle-driven, conservative leader on the Texas Railroad Commission.  He was elected statewide to serve a six-year term as Railroad Commissioner in November 2010.

Since taking office, Commissioner Porter has been appointed to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission as the Official Representative of Texas.  He has also been appointed as the official representative on the Interstate Mining Compact Commission and currently serves as an advisory board member for the Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law.  

Upon taking office in 2011, Porter created the Eagle Ford Shale Task Force, the first of its kind at the Texas Railroad Commission, to establish a forum that will bring the community together and foster a dialogue regarding drilling activities in the Eagle Ford Shale.  The Task Force is comprised of local community leaders, elected officials, industry representatives, environmental groups, and landowners.  The goal of the group is to open the lines of communication between all parties involved, establish recommendations for developing the Eagle Ford Shale, and promote economic benefits locally and statewide.  

In 2013, Porter launched his Natural Gas Vehicle Initiative: a series of statewide events aimed to increase the demand for natural gas vehicles and refueling stations, as well as natural gas use in drilling operations, and in doing so, increase the demand for natural gas in Texas.

In recognition of his foresight and leadership, Porter was named “Man of the Year” by The Oil & Gas Year, Eagle Ford, Texas 2013. He has also been recognized by Shale Oil & Gas Business Magazine and Unconventional Oil & Gas Magazine for his proactive efforts to implement policies that allow industry to safely, efficiently, and economically produce the energy that is needed to support Texans and the Texas economy.

Before taking office, Porter built a successful small business around his CPA practice in Midland, Texas, providing accounting and tax services to oil and gas producers, royalty owners, oil field service companies, and other small businesses and individuals.

Porter was born in Fort Lewis, Washington in 1956 while his father was serving in the US Army.  He graduated magna cum laude from Harding University in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and passed the CPA exam later that year.  He became a Texas CPA in 1981, the same year he moved to Midland.

David met his wife, Cheryl, while attending Harding University, and they were married in 1979.  They are the proud parents of one daughter and grandparents of two grandchildren.