Texas lawmakers schedule hearing on Railroad Commission's cut to public testimony

Republican Rep. Drew Darby and Democrat Rep. Terry Canales have called a hearing to scrutinize the Texas Railroad Commission’s recent rule that eliminates the general public comment period from its monthly meetings unless a commissioner invites it. The commission, led by Wayne Christian, says the change expands access through statewide listening sessions and outreach events, claiming the old system saw few participants and was sometimes used for campaign promotion.

Critics, including the lawmakers and transparency advocates, contend the new discretionary approach removes a two-decade guarantee of direct dialogue with voting commissioners. The hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15 before the House Natural Resources Committee. Supporters point to the low number of registrations—102 across 37 meetings since 2022—while opponents argue remote comment should be allowed at every meeting. The debate underscores broader concerns about openness in Texas’s powerful oil-and-gas regulator.