As many of us come to terms with the election of Donald Trump, the work in Austin continues. We are calling on all Texans to pressure Governor Abbott and the Senate Nominations Committee to remove Energy Transfer Partners CEO Kelcy Warren from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission. A pipeline billionaire should have no place in an agency whose mission is to “manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.” If you haven’t already done so, please sign this petition to remove Warren from Parks & Widllife and share with your friends and family.

In a disappointing but not surprising move, the Sunset Advisory Commission voted not to include a recommendation to change the name of the Railroad Commission to something more indicative of what it actually does. Several recommendations that would improve the oil and gas regulatory body were dropped in a decisive November 10 meeting. Some of the recommendations that were adopted were good, but minor. For example, the Commission recommendations to create a permit for pipelines and additional oversight were adopted and we support them. Outside of the Sunset process, State Rep. Rafael Anchia filed HB 237 that would rename the agency the Texas Energy Resources Commission, and HB 247 that would require the agency to post its enforcement and complaint data in a searchable downloadable fashion.

As the legislative session gears up, we will be hitting the halls of the Capitol fighting for clean air, clean water, and preservation of our natural treasures. Now more than ever, we need Texans to stand together and fight for a better Texas. Please contact Cyrus Reed at cyrus.reed@sierraclub.org if you are interested in volunteering with the Lone Star Chapter!