Associations representing Texas oil companies said they would welcome Jon Rosenthal, a Cypress Democrat and state representative, after he won a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission. Rosenthal has proposed stricter rules, including a ban on burning excess gas into the atmosphere and fees for disposing of industrial wastewater. He has also proposed raising employee salaries at the commission. Bo French, his opponent in the race, had said Rosenthal's background posed a threat to Texas oil and gas.
Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, pointed to Rosenthal's 25-year energy career as a mechanical engineer and his four terms in the state House. Shepperd said some people may be disappointed that a Democrat won, and said the industry had operated under Democratic leadership for more than 100 years.
Rosenthal will join two Republicans on the three-member commission. Ed Longanecker, president of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, said advancing Rosenthal's proposals will require negotiation with the other commissioners, and that the two Republicans retain significant influence on rulemaking and enforcement. Rosenthal has also proposed banning donations from oil companies to commission candidates and publishing commissioners' calendars.