Do you know who controls the energy powering your home? Our survey of 1,000 Texans reveals a major gap in understanding about the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), the state agency regulating oil, gas, and other energy resources.
The recent election results have underscored a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), the state agency responsible for regulating oil, gas, and other energy resources. Our survey of 1,000 Texans reveals how limited knowledge of the RRC may have impacted voter turnout and shaped public perceptions of the agency’s role.
Key Takeaways
- 30% of Texans have not heard of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).
- 46% of Texans did not plan to vote in the upcoming Railroad Commissioner election.
- 20% of Texans are not confident in the RRC’s ability to regulate the oil and gas industry effectively.
- 3 in 4 Texans think the RRC should play a larger role in regulating Texas’ environmental practices.
- Nearly 90% of Texans would have voted in the recent election if they were familiar with the RRC and its responsibilities.
What Does the Railroad Commission of Texas Govern?
Although its name suggests it manages trains, the Railroad Commission of Texas no longer oversees railroads. Today, the RRC regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry, including drilling, pipelines, and surface mining. It also provides environmental oversight for energy production to help ensure these industries operate safely and efficiently.
Let’s explore our survey findings on Texans’ views of the RRC.
- Almost half of Gen Z (48%) have not heard of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).
- Only 48% of Texans can correctly identify the RRC as the governing body that regulates energy production and pipelines in Texas.
- 29% mistakenly identified the Texas Department of Energy and Utilities.
- 19% incorrectly named the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC).
- In previous Railroad Commissioner elections, 40% of Texans have voted without fully understanding the candidates’ positions and what the RRC regulates.
- Texans who planned to vote in the recent Railroad Commissioner election by generation:
- Baby boomers: 71%
- Gen X: 67%
- Millennials: 52%
- Gen Z: 34%
- 20% of Texans are not confident in the RRC’s ability to regulate the oil and gas industry effectively. Their lack of confidence by generation is as follows:
- Gen X: 23%
- Gen Z: 21%
- Millennials: 20%
- Baby boomers: 14%
- Nearly 80% of Texans believe there is not enough public information available about the RRC and its duties.
- 83% of Texans would be interested in more educational resources about the RRC’s role and responsibilities before voting.
- Nearly 90% of Texans would have voted in the recent election if they were familiar with the RRC and its responsibilities.
Methodology
For this study, we surveyed 1,000 Texans to measure their awareness of the Railroad Commission of Texas. The average age was 40; 57% of respondents were women, 41% were male, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 10% were baby boomers, 24% were Gen X, 46% were millennials, and 20% were Gen Z.
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Fair Use Statement
You may share this data on Texans’ awareness of the Railroad Commission for noncommercial purposes, provided you credit the original article and link back to this page.
