Commissioner Christi Craddick Elected Chairman of the RRC

 

 

AUSTIN – The RRC received the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission’s (IOGCC) Chairman’s Stewardship Award for Energy Education at the organization’s Annual Conference. The IOGCC consists of government agencies from 38 states, seven Canadian provinces, and four federal agencies. This international award recognizes exemplary leadership in responsible energy development, conservation and education.

The honor recognizes the RRC’s Office of Public Engagement and Communications Division for advancing energy education through various public engagement efforts that help Texans better understand oil and natural gas regulation and its impact on everyday life. 

“We are honored to receive this recognition from IOGCC,” said RRC Executive Director Wei Wang. “Every day, our employees work to help Texans better understand the Commission’s role in regulating the state’s energy industry and the importance of oil and natural gas in our daily lives. This award reflects their dedication to public service, education and meaningful engagement with the people we serve.”

Throughout the year, the RRC has expanded its public education and outreach efforts through initiatives that increase awareness of the agency’s regulatory responsibilities and to provide Texans with opportunities to engage directly with agency experts. These efforts include town hall meetings throughout Texas, in-person and virtual public listening sessions, educational videos, the agency’s podcast “Texas Energy on Track,” and digital communications that help Texans better understand oil and natural gas regulation and the role of energy development in their daily lives.

In 2026 alone, RRC’s OPE conducted 30 speaking engagements with local community organizations such as chambers of commerce and rotary clubs, meeting with over 3,000 Texans at these events. Alongside that, OPE members also hosted exhibit booths at 20 events across the state, allowing them to reach more than 27,000 attendees.

In addition to receiving the award, RRC Commissioner Jim Wright and agency leadership participated in the annual conference, which brought together state, Canadian provincial and federal regulators, government officials and energy industry representatives to discuss issues affecting oil and natural gas production and regulation across North America.

During the conference, Wright delivered an update on Texas’ oil and gas regulatory activities, highlighting the RRC’s ongoing efforts to protect public safety and the environment while supporting responsible energy development.

The IOGCC Annual Conference provides a forum for state regulators and industry leaders to exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges and share best practices that support effective energy regulation and responsible resource development.