Texas Railroad Commissioners Continue to Put Public at Risk

Rancher alleges pollution inaction
by BRETT SHIPP / WFAA-TV
Don’t miss the dramatic VIDEO

STONEWALL COUNTY, Texas — There are new allegations of favoritism and protectionism by members of the Texas Railroad Commission.

This time, a North Texas rancher says the state’s oil and gas regulators are letting toxic waste seep into the nearby Brazos River north of Abilene, putting a precious public resource at risk by their inaction. State officials deny the claims and say they are doing everything they can.

The Texas Railroad Commissioners failed to enforce state regulations and the site never got remediation. That sounds so familiar! The attitude of protectionism displayed by the three Commissioners,

ELIZABETH A. JONES Commissioner

VICTOR G. CARRILLO Chairman

MICHAEL L. WILLIAMS Commissioner

has permeated all the way down to the lowest levels at the TRC as evidenced by Walter Gwyn, Director, District 8, when he issued his “no toilet paper floating,” email in response to the operator that dumped sewage in a sludge pit near me.

Investigation found up to 15 contaminated sites on Crowell’s ranch! Nearly $100,000 worth of testing has proven evidence of toxic chemicals. TRC has received all the analytical data but they refuse to take any meaningful action.

Maybe the Commissioners are too busy in their new role as promoters of industry businesses and products and spreaders of industry propaganda.

All three commissioners received $33,000 in protection money from the polluters, but my personal favorite, Michael Williams, received $19,000, the most protection money.