Railroad Commissioner David Porter Testifies in D.C. on EPA Overreach

AUSTIN - Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter will testify in front of Congress today on the egregious overreach of the federal government, specifically the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology will hold a hearing entitled “Examining the Science of EPA Overreach: A Case Study in Texas.” The purpose of this hearing is to focus on the scientific justification and cumulative impacts of regulations, policies and practices promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency and their effects on state sovereignty.

“I am grateful to the committee for holding this hearing to discuss this important topic, as the EPA continues to encroach on the regulatory jurisdiction of individual states,” Commissioner Porter said. “Since taking office, it has been one of my biggest goals to keep the feds at bay and to retain state primacy of regulation, especially of the oil and gas industry, which is the biggest economic driver in Texas. If the EPA were to gain control of energy regulation, it would cripple the industry and devastate our economy. We in Texas know best how to achieve a balance of economic vitality and environmental safety, as we responsibly and proudly reign as the top producer in the country.”

The hearing is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 5th at 10:00 a.m. EST/ 9:00 a.m. CST in Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing will also be webcast live, which can be accessed at: http://science.house.gov/hearing/full-committee-hearing-examining-science-epa-overreach-case-study-texas

Commissioner Porter’s complete, 30-page written testimony can be viewed online.

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David J. Porter was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission on November 2, 2010. A Certified Public Accountant and successful small business owner, Commissioner Porter has worked with oil and gas producers for nearly three decades providing strategic financial advice and tax counsel. He has a long record of pro-business, free market, conservative credentials.