HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:   Energy Resources 

TIME & DATE: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 03, 2016 

PLACE:       The Petroleum Museum, 1500 I-20 West, Midland 
CHAIR:       Rep. Drew Darby 

The Committee will meet to hear invited testimony on Interim Charges #1, 2, and 7:

Charge #1: Study the impacts of the declining price of oil and the continuously depressed price of natural gas on the Texas economy and the fiscal implications for the Texas budget. Consider impacts on local communities most dependent on oil and gas activity, including impacts on supporting economies such as retail, manufacturing, housing industries, etc. Recommend strategies for sustained energy development and workforce growth during times of depressed energy prices.

Charge #2: Examine whether current statutes are adequate for the successful prosecution of oilfield theft. Consider the potential economic impact on increasing penalties for oil and gas theft and make recommendations establishing an effective law enforcement response.

Charge #7: Conduct legislative oversight and monitoring of the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction and the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 84th Legislature. In conducting this oversight, the committee should:

a. consider any reforms to state agencies to make them more responsive to Texas taxpayers and citizens;

b. identify issues regarding the agency or its governance that may be appropriate to investigate, improve, remedy, or eliminate;

c. determine whether an agency is operating in a transparent and efficient manner;

d. identify opportunities to streamline programs and services while maintaining the mission of the agency and its programs;

e. monitor the impact of major energy legislation passed by the 84th Legislature including the implementation of regulated surface activity on oil and gas sites; and

f. review seismic research needs for the University of Texas Bureau of Economic Geology and any response to research findings by the Railroad Commission of Texas.

If you wish to be invited to testify, please contact Committee staff at jamie.burchfield_hc@house.state.tx.us.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact Stacey Nicchio at (512) 463-0850, 72 hours prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.