The cozy relationship between state oil and gas regulators and the industry they monitor is typified by a revolving door of officials who leave the Texas Railroad Commission to lobby for energy companies, including several who recently departed and made six-figure salaries working the Capitol hallways last year.
The ties are seen in Railroad Commission policies that seek to shield the industry from further federal regulation, and top agency officials who beat back criticism from environmentalists on everything from seismic activity to fracking, the Austin American-Statesman reported Sunday.
Former Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman became a lobbyist and signed up two energy clients within four months of his state term expiring in January 2015, and also went on to work as an attorney at a firm that represents energy clients.
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