Texas Railroad Commission eliminates public comment period from its public meetings

The Texas Railroad Commission has made a controversial move by eliminating public comment periods during its meetings, a decision made without prior public consultation. This shift aims to streamline operations but has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in regulating the state's oil and gas industry. To mitigate criticism, the commission introduced additional "listening sessions" where the public can still voice opinions to agency staff. This change underscores a broader trend of reducing public input in regulatory processes, sparking debates about the balance between efficiency and democratic engagement.