Associations representing Texas oil companies said they would welcome Jon Rosenthal, a Cypress Democrat and state representative who won a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission. Rosenthal has proposed stricter rules, including banning gas flaring, charging fees for disposing of industrial wastewater, and raising salaries at the commission.
Bo French, Rosenthal's opponent in the race, said Rosenthal would be a threat to Texas oil and gas. Industry leaders said they welcome his expertise. Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, pointed to Rosenthal's 25-year career as a mechanical engineer in the energy industry and his four terms in the state House. Shepperd said some people may be disappointed that a Democrat won, noting it is the first Democratic win for the seat in more than 30 years. He said the oil and gas industry has operated in Texas under Democratic leadership before.
Rosenthal will join two Republicans on the three-member commission. The win ends more than three decades of Republican control of every seat. The commission oversees an industry that sends tens of millions of barrels of crude oil to the state and country each year.