General

New office established with existing staff and resources.

The Texas Railroad Commission is creating a separate division to focus on alternative energy sources, highlighting the fact that the agency’s role includes more than promoting and regulating the traditional oil and gas sector.

The idea was approved unanimously by the three-member panel on Thursday and the division will be formed by redeploying existing staff. The reorganization will not cost taxpayers any additional money.

"I am thrilled about the efficiencies created and the future of the Alternative Energy Division at the commission," Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones said in a statement. "This new division will help streamline some of the current functions at the Railroad Commission.　 It will allow us to be more efficient and will provide a platform for the development of new forms of alternative energy, like compressed and liquefied natural gas."

Jones, who made the motion to proceed with the reorganization, said the new division will house inspectors, trainers, marketers and licensors associated with the alternatives sector under one umbrella.　 The Alternative Energy Division will also focus on existing alternative energy currently under RRC jurisdiction.