Railroad Commission Presents 2018-19 Budget Request to Senate Finance Committee
Priorities Include More Inspectors, IT Modernization, and Sustainable Revenue Source
February 09, 2017AUSTIN—Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick today presented the Railroad Commission’s 2018-19 biennial budget request to the Texas Senate Finance Committee. The Commission’s budget request totals $85 million for Fiscal Year 2018 and $85 million for Fiscal Year 2019.
To ensure the Commission continues to meet its mission of protecting public safety and the environment, it is requesting an additional $16.1 million. These funds would be used for staff retention through salary parity with other state agencies, additional oilfield safety and pipeline safety inspectors and enhanced enforcement tracking capabilities.
Exceptional item requests include:
- Priority 1: Salary Parity; $4.3 million (biennial total)
- Priority 2: Additional Inspectors for Enhanced Oilfield Safety and Pipeline Integrity Initiative; $8.8 million and 55 Full Time Equivalent employees (biennial total)
- Priority 3: Inspection / Enforcement Tracking and Reporting System; $3 million and 7 FTEs (biennial total)
The Commission is also requesting a supplemental appropriation of approximately $45 million.
About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including almost 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.