The former oil field engineer becomes the first Democrat elected to the powerful state energy regulator since 1990, defeating a Republican whose controversial remarks drew national attention.
The victory marks a major political shift for the three-member Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates the state’s massive oil and gas industry, overseeing everything from pipeline safety to natural gas rates. […] Despite his victory, Republicans will retain a 2-1 majority on the commission, meaning Rosenthal will face limits on his ability to implement his priorities without support from his Republican colleagues.
3·3 days ago