RRC Welcomes EPA Regional Administrator

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas had the privilege to welcome Scott Mason, the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Administrator to Austin on April 29.

Mason met with commissioners during the RRC’s monthly open meeting at the Commission headquarters, reinforcing the two organizations’ long standing regulatory relationship. During the meeting they also signed an Underground Injection Control (UIC) program Memorandum of Agreement ensuring a strong partnership between state and EPA staff to effectively manage the UIC program.

The EPA has commended the RRC’s UIC program with the EPA Region 6’s annual evaluations highlighting the RRC’s strong oversight of injection wells in protecting underground sources of drinking water and our continuing work mitigating seismicity – all while supporting one of the most productive energy sectors in the world.

"We were pleased to welcome EPA Administrator Scott Mason to the Railroad Commission as we work together to protect natural resources and support energy independence," said Chairwoman Christi Craddick. "In less than 100 days into a new White House administration, we are already making great progress with our partners at the federal level. Working with Administrator Mason strengthens our efforts to protect the environment while ensuring Texas remains a leader in energy and economic growth. Together, we will keep our energy strong and economy free while promoting prosperity, protecting our environment and keeping the economic miracle alive and well in Texas!"

“It’s a new dawn at the EPA under the leadership of the Trump Administration and Regional Administrator Scott Mason, who value EPA’s true mission of safeguarding America’s environment and citizens over radical activism,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “The Lone Star State is world renowned for providing safe, reliable energy, and I look forward to a great working relationship with Regional Administrator Mason and President Trump’s EPA to ensure Texas remains on top. As the EPA works on finalizing approval for the Commission to permit carbon capture utilization and storage, I’ll be interested to see if any future permits are reliant on taxpayer dollars and scrutinizing those that do.” 

“It was an honor to have EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason at today’s Railroad Commission Conference,” said Commissioner Jim Wright. “Collaboration between the EPA and the Railroad Commission is of the utmost importance as it ensures our domestic energy production continues to be a driving force to the Texas economy. I look forward to working with the new EPA leadership to usher in a new era of collaboration to further enhance the environmental and economic well-being of our nation.”

The RRC welcomes this continued engagement and partnership with Region 6, the EPA and White House and is ready to build on this momentum.  Texans can be assured the RRC will fully utilize its regulatory expertise, experience and oversight to protect the public interest and continue to strengthen a thriving Texas economy and energy industry.