AUSTIN — RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian issued the following statement after voting against ExxonMobil’s Rose Carbon Capture and Storage permit. The Commission approved the permit by a 2–1 vote.
“I am disappointed by the outcome. I remain unconvinced that the record adequately establishes the project’s long-term safety,” Christian said. “I still have not heard a convincing answer to a basic question: What is the point of permanently injecting carbon dioxide underground? These projects also require massive taxpayer subsidies, and I am concerned they will drive up costs for the consumers I was elected to represent.”
Commissioner Christian explained his concerns before the vote. A transcript of his remarks is available at this link.
About the Railroad Commission:
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. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.
