Texas Railroad Commissioner Charles Matthews yesterday proposedthat the commission look into “all possible solutions” regardingthe high cost of natural gas. Discussions with representatives fromthe exploration and production sector, gas utilities and customergroups had convinced him that the state has to consider long-termsolutions to ensure the gas supply is reliable and affordable.

Along with the supply problem, Matthews said he also wants toresearch how to encourage more workers to enter the oil and gasindustry, which has faced severe declines in the past few years.

So far this winter, gas bills for Texas customers have beenabout 50% higher than they were last year. In June, the statebegins its pilot deregulation program, which becomes a state-wideprogram next January.

“Natural gas consumers have been calling with their complaints,”said Matthews. “We have got to address this issue and work towardsolutions in avoiding gas spikes.”

Matthews said he would work with Texas Rep. Steve Wolens, whochairs the House State Affairs Committee, on policies to increasedrilling in Texas. He also wants to address the decline in theworkforce on all levels of the oil and gas industry, fromroughnecks to geoscientists to petroleum engineers. Educationgrants from federal agencies like the Departments of Energy andLabor also may be explored, he said.

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