Live at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin

I am here at the Americans for Prosperity—Texas’ Defending the American Dream Summit, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams just spoke, and so that those of you who were unable to attend can know what is going on, here is a summary of his remarks.

The Texas Railroad Commission is enlisted to the task of regulating energy production in Texas. As Chairman, Commissioner Williams supports further supplying energy technologies to the level that is needed for our economy can retain the prosperity that we have enjoyed. He also agreed with T. Boone Pickens’ recent proposed plan that would increase the use of newer energy technologies like wind power or natural gas. In addition, he is against the further movement of using food crops such as corn to energy, since that has only succeeded in increasing the cost of food for Texans at the store.

Texas is the 5th largest coal producing state, but sits on the largest supply of coal anywhere in the world, and by using new technologies it is not the environmental danger that its reputation makes it seem.

When the 81st Legislative Session arrives in Texas (January 2009) the Commission is going to advise the Legislature to take the lead on finding new energy resources and meeting current supply, whether the Federal Government provides leadership on this issue or not. He also tied his message to National Security, saying that by drilling in America, it will reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.