Espousing markedly different views, incumbent Republican Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian and Democratic nominee Luke Warford are in an all-out sprint for the Nov. 8 general election finish line.
Christian contends that the state would be much better off with his traditionalist approach while Warford is in hot pursuit with what he says was the commission’s failure before and during the catastrophic Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.
“On the campaign trail, Texans are concerned about energy security, rising inflation and the unstable economy,” Christian said Wednesday. “They understand the important role domestic oil and gas production plays in lowering the cost of energy and in making over 6,000 consumer products that we use every day.
“They want a conservative Railroad Commission that cuts red tape and fights back against the Biden administration’s overreach.”
Seeking his second six-year term, Christian said, “My priority as railroad commissioner is to provide a consistent, predictable regulatory environment for Texas businesses, relying on sound science to ensure that our economy continues to grow while ensuring a safe and clean environment.
“My primary goal is to make certain that Texans have access to cheap, plentiful and reliable energy both for today and in the future.”
Christian sets policy for the powerful oil and natural gas regulatory agency with fellow commissioners Christi Craddick and Jim Wright.
Asked how much he spent during the GOP Primary against Tom Slocum Jr., Dawayne Tipton and Sarah Stogner, who took him to a runoff, he said, “We spent over $1 million in the primary and we will raise and spend what it takes to be victorious in November.”
Libertarian Jaime Diez and Green Party nominee Hunter Crow are also on the November ballot.
Warford said Wednesday that the Railroad Commission failed to require adequate preparations for Winter Storm Uri. “The voters are mad because we couldn’t keep the lights and heat on and hundreds of Texans froze to death in the energy capital of the world,” said Warford, who was unopposed in his primary. “They’re also telling me that they are paying too much for natural gas and electricity. One of the most important issues is how we make sure our natural gas producers are prepared for cold weather so that the grid doesn’t fail.
“To address that, we need a clear weatherization standard and a Railroad Commission that will enforce that standard.”
Having raised $500,000 and hoping to spend $1 million to $2 million in the race, Warford said it is pro-business to want lower emissions. “Our oil and gas producers want to compete for European business and European buyers are willing to pay a premium to lower emissions,” he said.
“I want to say our oil and gas are clean and we don’t have that right now. We need to get the flaring situation under control. The Railroad Commission’s failures are hurting the reputation of Texas oil and gas.”
Warford said he would also address natural gas pricing. “Pipelines made billions during the storm and Texans are now paying for that in higher utility bills,” he said.
“We need somebody on the commission who will do what the commission was founded to do, prevent monopolies from taking advantage of Texas consumers.
“I have a real interest in doing the job. We have seen over and over again that Wayne doesn’t want to do the job.”
