RRC Announces Members of Critical Task Force on Petroleum Theft

RRC Announces Members of Critical Task Force on Petroleum Theft

AUSTIN - Thirteen Texans will play a crucial role in helping fight petroleum theft plaguing the Texas energy industry as members of the State Taskforce on Petroleum Theft (STOPTHEFT).

The new task force was created in Senate Bill 494, passed by the 89th Legislature, to study and make recommendations on preventing the theft of petroleum products in the state.

STOPTHEFT members represent key elements of state, federal and local law enforcement and the energy industry to help tackle petroleum theft. The following are the task force members:

Tony Dickie (ConocoPhillips)

Judy Stark (SNW Operating Company)

Clete Buckaloo (Occidental Petroleum)

Allan Bloxsom (Fort Apache Energy)

Colleen Reda (Surge Operating)

Hollie Lamb (Ring Energy)

Carey Matthews (Diamondback Energy)

Ed Longanecker (Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association)

Michael Lozano (Permian Basin Petroleum Association)

Tulsi Oberbeck (Texas Oil & Gas Association)

Timothy Murphy (Texas Department of Public Safety)

Nathan Jeronimus (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

Stan Parker (Howard County Sheriff)

Additionally, Bill Keffer (Texas Tech University) and Cole Harrison (Fiesta Energy) will serve as advisors to the task force.

"According to the Dallas Federal Reserve, more than 40% of oil and gas operators indicated that theft has impacted their operations in the past year," said Railroad Commission Chairman Jim Wright. "Petroleum theft not only impacts oil and gas producers, it also impacts our state coffers - and it must STOP. I look forward to working with the STOPTHEFT members to identify and recommend improvements to the legislature that will protect our natural resources and Texas taxpayers from further harm."

"Oilfield theft has become increasingly organized and sophisticated, costing Texans millions and threatening the integrity of our state's energy sector," said RRC Commissioner Christi Craddick. "The STOPTHEFT Task Force brings together law enforcement, industry leaders, and local officials to coordinate a comprehensive strategy to stop these crimes before they happen. Protecting Texas energy means protecting Texas jobs, communities and taxpayers - and this task force is a critical step in that effort."

"Petroleum theft isn't petty crime - it's organized, often tied to border security failures, and it threatens Texas' economic security and America's reliable energy supply," said RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian. "I stand with the STOPTHEFT task force to send a clear message: Texas will protect its producers, defend taxpayers, and bring criminals to justice."

The task force's duties include, but are not limited to:

• Reviewing product theft laws and regulations in other U.S. jurisdictions as well as international laws;
• Analyzing the impact of theft on state tax collections and long-term economic impacts;
• Making recommendations on law enforcement training to combat petroleum product theft; and
• Preparing a report to submit to the Governor and the Legislature.

The task force members were selected from a pool of applicants. RRC Chairman Jim Wright will serve as chairman of STOPTHEFT which will have its first meeting later this month.