🟡Relating to the establishment of a theft of petroleum products task force.

🟡 SB 494: Oil Theft Task Force with Industry in the Driver’s Seat

What it says it does:
Creates a statewide task force under the Railroad Commission of Texas to study petroleum theft, coordinate with law enforcement, and make policy recommendations every two years. The goal is to reduce theft losses and protect state tax revenue.

What it actually changes:
Gives the Railroad Commission authority to appoint a permanent advisory group that includes law enforcement and industry members. The group is exempt from normal advisory committee rules and can share information from ongoing criminal investigations. This structure centralizes control and removes public oversight that would normally apply.

Who is pushing for it:
The bill was supported in committee by the Texas Oil and Gas Association, the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, and law enforcement unions such as CLEAT and TMPA.

Who benefits:
Large oil and gas operators gain direct access to law enforcement coordination and policy drafting. The Railroad Commission expands its control over industry enforcement without extra legislative review.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Landowners, rural residents, and taxpayers have no guaranteed voice. Consumer advocates and independent watchdogs are excluded. Public transparency protections are reduced because the task force operates outside standard open government rules.

Why this matters long term:
This model sets a precedent for industry-led task forces that operate behind closed doors. It weakens transparency, opens paths for selective data sharing, and gives one industry a permanent role in shaping public policy.

What to watch next:
Whether other sectors seek similar exemptions from public oversight. Whether the Railroad Commission discloses membership lists, meeting notes, or recommendations. And whether future reports favor corporate security interests over community safety or fair enforcement.

Bottom line:
SB 494 addresses a real problem but does it in a way that trades public transparency for private access. Stopping theft is a valid goal, but Texans should not have to lose open government protections to get it done.

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