By Photo by Delfino Barboza on Unsplash
By Lily Lederman | The Now Daily
Texas has a new chairman leading one of the state’s most influential energy regulators.
The Railroad Commission of Texas unanimously elected Commissioner Christi Craddick as chairman of the three-member commission on Aug. 18.
Despite its name, the agency no longer regulates railroads. Instead, the Railroad Commission plays a major role in overseeing Texas’ oil and natural gas industry, along with pipeline safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and other energy-related activities.
Craddick takes the leadership position as the commission continues dealing with several issues affecting the state’s massive energy industry.
What the Railroad Commission Actually Does
The Railroad Commission is one of the most important regulatory agencies in Texas, particularly because of the size of the state’s oil and gas industry.
Its responsibilities include regulating oil and gas exploration and production, overseeing pipeline safety and handling several other areas connected to energy development.
The commission also deals with issues that can directly affect communities and producers, including abandoned wells and the large amounts of water produced during oil and gas operations.
Although the chairman does not control the commission alone, the position provides Craddick with a prominent leadership role as the three commissioners work through those issues.
Craddick Has Served on the Commission Since 2012
Craddick is not new to the Railroad Commission.
She was first elected statewide to the commission in 2012 and has since won reelection, including another six-year term in 2024.
A Midland native and attorney, Craddick has experience in areas including oil and gas, water and environmental policy.
Her selection as chairman also comes months after she ran for Texas comptroller in the 2026 Republican primary. Craddick lost that race to former state Sen. Don Huffines but remained a member of the Railroad Commission.
She has said she plans to finish her current term on the commission.
Abandoned Wells Remain a Major Issue
One of the challenges facing the commission is the large number of abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells across Texas.
These wells can become the state’s responsibility when an operator is no longer available or financially capable of properly plugging them.
Craddick recently said the agency plugged a record number of wells during the current fiscal year and has around 50 rigs working across Texas.
The commissioners have also approved budget requests that include another $100 million for plugging abandoned and orphaned wells.
Even with that work, Craddick acknowledged that the state still has more wells requiring attention.
Produced Water Creates Another Challenge
Produced water is another major issue facing Texas regulators and energy companies.
Oil and gas production can bring large volumes of water to the surface along with hydrocarbons. Managing and disposing of that water has become increasingly important as drilling and production continue across areas such as the Permian Basin.
The Railroad Commission has been working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on permitting and other questions surrounding produced water.
Finding safe and practical ways to handle those large volumes will remain an important issue for both regulators and producers.
What Craddick’s Leadership Means Going Forward
Craddick’s election does not change the basic structure of the Railroad Commission. Decisions are still made by the three elected commissioners.
However, the chairman serves as a visible leader for an agency that has significant influence over one of Texas’ largest industries.
Along with abandoned wells and produced water, the commission is working on pipeline and propane safety, oilfield theft and upgrades to its technology systems.
Those issues will remain on the commission’s agenda as Craddick begins another period leading the agency.
With Texas continuing to play a major role in U.S. energy production, decisions made by the Railroad Commission can have consequences extending well beyond the state’s oil fields.
Sources
- Railroad Commission of Texas — “Commissioner Christi Craddick Elected Chairman of the RRC,” Aug. 18, 2026
- Midland Reporter-Telegram — “Midland native Christi Craddick elected chair of Texas Railroad Commission,” Aug. 19, 2026
- Railroad Commission of Texas — Commissioner and agency information