Texas’ Leading Energy Regulators—Railroad Commissioners Applaud Federal Appeal’s Court Overturning EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

 AUSTIN –– Today, the state’s top energy regulators of oil and gas production and coal mining applauded the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit’s decision this morning to overturn a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule on cross-state air pollution.

Chairman Barry T. Smitherman, who was a party to the lawsuit against EPA, said, “The EPA is clearly out of control, and the courts are agreeing with us. In the last two days we've had appeals courts invalidate two EPA actions that were seen to be illegally adopted. I will continue to fight the Obama EPA in court, and I'm confident we will keep winning."

Commissioner David Porter said, “This court ruling will help ensure that we can keep the lights on in Texas. If the EPA had its way, Texas lignite mines would have been shut down, thousands of Texas jobs would have been threatened, and power prices would have increased.”

Commissioner Buddy Garcia said, “The EPA’s process for this rule was flawed, and its model was not based on good science. We must work together to base these type of rules on the facts and not attempt to turn rules into ‘gotcha tactics.’ ”

About the Railroad Commission

Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 90 years regulating the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the Commission promotes research and education on the use of alternative fuels and has jurisdiction over gas utility, surface mining and pipeline industries. Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. To learn more, please visit http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/.