Jon Rosenthal, a Democratic state representative from Houston, is challenging Bo French, a far-right Republican from Fort Worth, for a position on the commission regulating Texas’s oil and gas industry.
In a recent interview, Rosenthal outlined his plans for the Railroad Commission of Texas, which oversees the oil and gas sector, including pipelines and drilling permits.
Rosenthal, a mechanical engineer with 25 years in oil and gas, entered politics after Trump’s 2016 election, securing a long-held Republican seat. He’s been on the Energy Resources Committee during his Texas House tenure.
French, the Republican candidate, resigned as Tarrant County GOP chair to run for commissioner, defeating incumbent Jim Wright. Raised in the Permian Basin, French’s career spans trading and politics. His social media features calls to deport 100 million people and ban “Sharia law” in Texas.
Rosenthal, the only Jewish member of the Texas House, criticizes French’s campaign for anti-semitism and Islamophobia. French didn’t respond to requests for comment.
The Railroad Commission has three Republican members serving staggered six-year terms. The election for Wright’s seat, between Rosenthal and French, is scheduled for Nov. 3.
Martha Pskowski: How did your engineering career influence your political journey?
Jon Rosenthal: I am more an engineer than a politician, with 25 years in oil and gas. Trump’s election drove me to politics, leading to my win against a long-time incumbent. I focus on energy policy in the legislature.
Pskowski: How would you work with two Republican commissioners?
Rosenthal: I believe in finding common ground. I aim to increase the commission’s funding to improve effectiveness and address orphan well issues.
Pskowski: Should ethics rules prevent commissioners from voting on matters with vested interests?
Rosenthal: Yes, regulators shouldn’t have financial stakes in the entities they’re overseeing. Recusal is necessary for conflicts of interest.
Pskowski: What about oilfield wastewater issues in Texas?
Rosenthal: The commission must enforce rules and reward compliant operators. Lack of resources limits effective oversight and contributes to seismic risks.
Pskowski: How do you view carbon capture and storage technology?
Rosenthal: I support the Railroad Commission managing this area. It’s less dangerous than other underground storage, but needs thorough monitoring.
Pskowski: Your campaign trails in fundraising. How do you plan to overcome this?
Rosenthal: I’ve always been outspent, but I focus on outreach. It’s vital that people understand the commission’s role and our differences. Reaching voters in rural areas is key.
Pskowski: French has attacked you for supporting green energy. Your response?
Rosenthal: I advocate an all-encompassing energy approach. While supporting renewables, oil and gas remain critical to Texas’s economy.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org