Railroad Commission Has Nothing to Do with Trains… or ReligionBlog, Press Release

Statement Condemning Railroad Commissioner Candidate Bo French’s Stances on Religion and Exiling Americans

Bigotry and fearmongering have no place in political campaigns.

Commission Shift Action condemns Railroad Commissioner candidate Bo French’s stance that hundreds of millions of Americans should be deported on the basis of their religion. This position is not only unconstitutional, but also relies on an all-too-familiar political playbook that divides Texans and stokes fears.

The purpose of this strategy is to draw attention away from the issues that directly impact us: a growing list of orphaned wells that taxpayers are footing the bill on; radioactive waste hidden underneath subdivisions; and flaring from oil wells that is causing preterm birth and other health complications. As is the case for most past and current Republican Railroad Commission candidates, Bo French’s campaign is heavily funded by individuals who own companies the Railroad Commissioners make decisions about. Such donations present a potential for bias in decision-making that conflicts with the public’s interest in health and safety.

The Railroad Commission, and the role of Railroad Commissioner, have nothing to do with religion. The powerful state agency oversees oil and gas development, gas utility service, pipeline safety, flaring from oil wells, waste pits, and more. Impacts from these activities can affect public safety, air, soil, and water quality. These are the issues that the agency can control and has the tools and power to address.

Commission Shift Action encourages all Texans to vote in the upcoming primary runoffs and make their voices heard in the fall midterm elections. Early voting in the runoff election runs from May 18th to 22nd, and Election Day is on May 26th.

###

For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
SJ Stout sjs@commissionshiftaction.org
956-267-7302

Commission Shift Action is educating and organizing a wide array of Texans to build support for changes at the Railroad Commission of Texas that improve the agency’s function, transparency, and accountability to people and places impacted by the oil and gas industry. Learn more at commissionshiftaction.org.