The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“RECOGNIZING THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS' 130TH ANNIVERSARY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E730 on July 1.
The Department handles nearly all infrastructure crisscrossing the country. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department should be privatized to save money, reduce congestion and spur innovation.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS' 130TH ANNIVERSARY
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HON. VAN TAYLOR
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 1, 2021
Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Railroad Commission of Texas on its 130th anniversary.
Established in 1891 by the Texas Constitution, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) was created for the purpose preventing discrimination in railroad charges and establishing reasonable tariffs. As the first regulatory agency created in the State of Texas, their primary responsibility included covering rates and operations of railroads, terminals, wharves and express companies.
In 1917, the Texas Legislature expanded the Commission's authority after declaring pipelines to be common carriers, thereby providing the agency the ability to administer conservation laws related to oil and gas. In March 1919, their jurisdiction would once again increase to include pipeline safety as well as the safety of alternative fuels, natural gas utilities, and the surface mining of coal and uranium.
In the decades which would follow, the RRC's authority evolved to meet the needs of our rapidly growing state. While its rail functions have since been transferred to the Texas Department of Transportation, the Commission's oversight has extended to include not only oil and gas exploration and production, but also pipeline transporters, the natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline industry, natural gas utilities, the LP-gas industry, and coal and uranium surface mining operations.
In recent years, the Commission has modernized technology for increased efficiency and has expanded transparency by providing the public with needed tools to access agency information. Further, the dedicated efforts of its professionals have contributed to the streamlining of operations while promoting increased innovation and energy independence.
For over 130 years the Railroad Commission of Texas has maintained a unified and focused mission of protecting the public, environment, and economy of Texas. As the oil and gas industry continues to be an essential component of Texas' success story, I congratulate the Railroad Commission of Texas and its employees on this milestone anniversary and wish them continued success as they continue to protect the state's natural resources, environment, and public safety.
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