Railroad Commission

Republican Bo French, a former Tarrant County GOP chairman and energy investor, faces Democrat Jon Rosenthal, a Houston state representative and oil field engineer, for Texas railroad commissioner. The agency regulates oil and gas. Libertarian Arthur DiBianca is also running.

The three challengers seeking to unseat Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick focus on different issues, but share a common critique of the state's oil and gas regulator.

On a Crane County ranch, about 90 wells have been excavated over the last few years. The group digging them up says many were improperly plugged and are now decaying and releasing fluids and gases.

The Gulf Coast is poised to be a major hub for underground disposal of greenhouse gas to mitigate climate change, but questions remain over who will fund it long-term.

A total of 17 earthquakes have been reported in the same area near Falls City, which is about 40 miles southeast of San Antonio, in the last week.

The Railroad Commission of Texas has been called one of the most consequential climate-related offices in the country. Democrat Luke Warford is challenging incumbent Wayne Christian for his seat.

The Republican primary contest between challenger Sarah Stogner and incumbent Wayne Christian has been characterized by twists and turns, accusations of corruption and some light nudity.

Sarah Stogner says she took the money from a rich friend because she thinks she has a chance of winning the Republican nomination. She initially ran just to make a statement.

Unlike in February, the supply disruption did not translate into problems for the electric grid. But, energy experts say, it shows Texas has more work to do to safeguard its energy infrastructure against weather-related blackouts.

The report highlights how oil and gas regulators at the Railroad Commission of Texas have a financial stake in the very companies they regulate.