The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has initiated a series of inspections at major natural gas facilities across the state, beginning in early December. This initiative is part of the RRC's strategy to prepare the state's natural gas supply for the ongoing winter season.
As stated on its website, the RRC is the regulatory authority over Texas' oil and natural gas industry, pipelines, natural gas utilities, and other crucial state energy infrastructure.
The RRC's leadership includes Commissioners Wayne Christian, Christi Craddick, who serves as chairman, and Jim Wright. These members are elected statewide for six-year terms according to information provided by the RRC website. The executive director of the RRC is Wei Wang.
In a press release issued just before Christmas, the RRC announced that its Critical Infrastructure Division (CID) had begun inspecting hundreds of critical infrastructure facilities across Texas. The aim was to ensure that Texas' gas supply would be adequately protected for the winter season.
According to this press release, 99% of planned inspections at Tier One facilities have been completed by the RRC. These facilities include gas processing plants, underground gas storage sites, pipelines connected to electricity generation points, and large oil and gas leases.
Furthermore, as per the release details, the RRC plans to bolster the gas supply by ensuring sufficient quantities are stored in underground facilities within Texas.
Wang stated in this press release that "Tier one gas facilities are major components that help ensure ample gas supply during a potential weather emergency. The Commission will continue to inspect these facilities multiple times during the winter season. In total, we expect to conduct more than 5,600 inspections of critical gas facilities on the electric supply chain map. In addition, we are seeing a record amount of gas stored underground in case it's needed during an emergency. The RRC wants to ensure Texans that we will be working diligently with operators throughout the winter to protect residents' safety in any weather emergency."
