November 21, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Railroad Commissioner Porter Visits Commission's Kilgore Office; Unveils Building's New Sign

September 29, 2011 (KILGORE) - Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter met today with Kilgore employees of the Railroad Commission’s district office and unveiled the office’s new sign for the Railroad Commission of Texas Bill Murray State Office Building.

“I am delighted to be in Kilgore, the heart of the East Texas Oil Field, and I appreciate the rich history and economic contributions of this special Field,” said Commissioner Porter. “The district office employs 37 professionals. They serve as the eyes and ears of our regulatory efforts; they ensure public safety and environmental protection; and they inspect the 6,690 oil, gas, and disposal wells currently operating in this Field.”

The East Texas Oil Field has produced more oil than any other field in the contiguous United States since its discovery in 1930. More than 30,340 wells have been drilled in this field, yielding more than 5.3 billion barrels of oil. This year so far, the Railroad Commission has issued 20 drilling permits for the East Texas Oil Field, double the amount issued last year.

“The independent operators led the early development of the Field and have continued to invest their capital and hard work into the Field,” said Commissioner Porter. “I am honored to recognize their contributions to local governments and the State. They have provided more than 9,800 oil and gas jobs in Gregg, Rusk, Smith, and Upshur counties; contributed more than $151 million in property taxes as of Aug. 31 of this year; and sent $60 million dollars in severance taxes to the State during fiscal year 2011.  Since being elected Railroad Commissioner, I have valued the East Texas independent operators’ knowledge and input and look forward to meeting with many of them later today.”

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David J. Porter was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission on November 2, 2010. A Certified Public Accountant and successful small business owner, Commissioner Porter has worked with oil and gas producers for nearly three decades providing strategic financial advice and tax counsel. He has a long record of pro-business, free market, conservative credentials.