RRC Hosts Argentine Delegation to Share Energy Expertise

AUSTIN – Building upon the agency’s reputation as a global leader in oil and gas regulation, Railroad Commission of Texas leadership shared their knowledge and expertise with an Argentine delegation, June 24.

The delegation consisted of more than 30 members of the national legislature, government officials, industry executives and municipal leaders who were visiting Texas as part of an American Chamber of Commerce in Argentina (AmCham Argentina) tour of the state.

The visit to the RRC headquarters included an overview of the agency’s history and jurisdiction of the energy landscape and discussion of the operations of the different RRC divisions, before diving into an in-depth question and answer session with the guests. Members of the delegation asked about a variety of topics, including pipeline safety, seismicity, produced water, carbon capture and how the agency engages with both members of industry and government partners at the local, state and federal levels.

“The meeting gave us the chance to explain how our role as a regulator is to help ensure a predictable regulatory environment,” said RRC Executive Director Wei Wang. “Texas has a great story to tell the world about how we are able to develop uniform regulation across the state that promotes economic growth while also protecting Texans and the environment.”

RRC leaders also took time to highlight the Commission’s training initiatives such as its “Boots on the Ground” program, and innovations in emergency responses through the use of drone technology.

RRC Executive Director Wei Wang speaks to the delegation

Members of the Argentine delegation

This visit is just the latest example of how the RRC remains a leader in the global conversation on energy production and regulation.

Last month, the commission held a meeting with a division head at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. That discussion centered around hydrogen production and supply in the Lone Star State. Thanks to Texas’ safety and compliance regulatory framework, the state stands as a leader in conventional hydrogen production, and pure hydrogen pipelines – extending more than 1,000 miles – have been operating safely in Texas to support the industry’s infrastructure.