A standing-room-only crowd filled the chambers of the Texas Railroad Commission to observe Wayne Christian take the office. The agency oversees regulation of the state’s energy sector.
In his remarks, Christian noted that oil, gas, and coal jobs make up one-third of the state’s employment, those revenues provide 20 percent of the state’s general budget and 100 percent of Texas’ Economic Stabilization Fund.
“If you’re in Texas, you’re in the oil and gas business,” joked Christian.
The former state legislator received the oath of office from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. In his own remarks, Cruz noted that the election‘s “number one issue” was “jobs and economic growth. We are on the cusp of great change.”
Also addressing the audience was Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. “Wayne is one of those guys who doesn’t walk away from his convictions.”
Christian joins Christi Craddick and Ryan Sitton on the commission. Craddick’s term ends in two years, while Sitton has four more years left in his term.
