Rosenthal Makes First Public Pitch as Democrat for Texas Railroad Commission Seat
State Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston, spoke at a town hall in Laredo on August 22 to pitch for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission.
Rosenthal, a four-term House member and career oil field engineer, discussed issues related to the commission's responsibilities, including underground carbon dioxide injection, data centers, and environmental concerns.
He explained how the underground disposal of wastewater from oil production has led to seismic activity in the Permian Basin. Rosenthal also emphasized his experience with the oil and gas industry and his message of education over culture wars.
Laredo residents expressed a better understanding of the Railroad Commission's role after attending the event, particularly regarding environmental issues like flaring and polluters getting permits.