Texas Reelection of Christi Craddick as Oil Regulator Chair

By Georgina McCartney

HOUSTON (Reuters) – Texas has reelected conservative incumbent Christi Craddick as chairman of the state's oil regulator, marking her third term in this position and a win for an industry that has seen production surge during her tenure.

Texas, home to the Permian Basin, is the largest oil producer in the United States, currently pumping about 5.8 million barrels per day (bpd) according to the latest government figures. The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), which Craddick will lead for another six years, oversees various aspects of the industry, including well permitting and pipeline safety.

Craddick, a Republican, defeated several opponents: Democrat Katherine Culbert, Green Party member Eddie Espinoza, Libertarian Hawk Dunlap, and Independent Richard McKibbin.

First taking office in 2012, around the onset of the U.S. shale revolution, Craddick's leadership has coincided with Texas oil production soaring from an average of 1.98 million bpd to a record 5.8 million bpd in August.

During her new term, Craddick faces increasing pressure from landowners, environmentalists, and various industry groups regarding orphan wells—abandoned wells drilled by previous operators. As of Oct. 31, Texas had 8,376 orphan wells, although the true number might be significantly higher.

Reed Goodman, an independent operator, expressed a desire for the Commission to streamline the processes for plugging and abandoning orphan wells.

The RRC has faced criticism due to incidents involving "zombie wells," which are abandoned sites that can become operational again and contaminate the surrounding environment.

Environmental advocates are also demanding stricter regulations to halt routine flaring at oil wells, increase permitting fees to make companies responsible for orphan well cleanup, and to prohibit oil storage in areas prone to groundwater contamination.