A Rare Recusal by Texas Oil and Gas Regulator Up for Re-election

Inside Climate News · By Martha Pskowski · last updated November 24, 2025 – 2:06 PM

Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright removed himself from a vote last week on an oilfield waste company with which he has financial ties. The move highlighted the close relationship between state officials and the industry they regulate.

By Martha Pskowski

Jim Wright stepped out of the room last week while his fellow Railroad Commissioners voted to renew the permit for Eagleford Recycling LLC, an oilfield waste company to which he has financial ties.

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