Jul
8
Written by:
William Lutz
7/8/2011 1:18 PM
(Editor's Note: Updated at 3:40 pm to add a statement from Smitherman)
Gov. Rick Perry named Public Utility Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Smitherman has been a member of the Public Utility Commission since 2004 and its chairman since 2007. Smitherman combines support for and an appreciation of markets with knowledge of the energy industry and political acumen.
“Barry’s strong leadership at the Texas Public Utility Commission helped make Texas energy and telecommunications markets stronger and more affordable, and served the best interests of Texas consumers and families,” said Perry. “As he did at the PUC, Railroad Commissioner Smitherman will continue to push back against the Obama Administration’s misguided energy policies, which threaten Texas jobs and our nation’s energy security. His knowledge of Texas’ energy market and our energy needs is unparalleled, and I’m confident he will continue to serve our state well in his new capacity at the Railroad Commission.”
“I thank Gov. Rick Perry for his leadership of our state and for appointing me to the Railroad Commission. I also thank my state senator Kirk Watson for his support," Smitherman said. "I look forward to working with Chairman Jones and Commissioner Porter in tackling the issues facing the Railroad Commission. The Railroad Commission has a long and storied history beginning with the first Commissioner, John H. Reagan. I am honored for the opportunity to help shape the future of this important and remarkable agency.”
Smitherman has often been Perry’s go-to person on energy policy. When Perry created a state energy plan in 2008, a lot of policy makers had input, but many of the ideas that shaped the plan were Smitherman’s. When handling the Competitive Renewable Electricity Zones docket (CREZ), which involved building new power lines to get more wind power to populated areas of Texas, Smitherman warned the industry to work with land owners and not create a Trans-Texas Corridor style controversy with CREZ. Because of that, CREZ hasn’t blown up at the Capitol.
He disagreed with Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston) on a lot of utility issues, most notably some rulemaking proceedings regarding
when a utility can disconnect residential customers for non-payment, but Smitherman listened – both publicly and privately – to Turner’s concerns, showed respect for his office, and addressed those concerns Smitherman believed were legitimate.
Smitherman replaces Michael Williams, who resigned from the commission to run for Congress. Smitherman's term lasts until the next general election. He is eligible -- at that time -- to seek re-election. The Texas Railroad Commission regulates the oil and gas industry. The commission now consists of Smitherman and Commissioners Elizabeth Ames Jones and David Porter.