Energy

The Railroad Commission issues permits for drilling, enforces industry regulations, works to prevent waste of natural resources, and plays a key role in environmental protection. Commissioners are elected and each make $140,000 per year and receive an estimated 60% of campaign funding from the industry they regulate. The Commission has taxpayers paying for plugging orphan wells and turns a blind eye to the flaring of natural gas that should be captured and sold. Reform in the Commission means voting for the Democratic candidates.