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TRC votes to dismiss possible proration on Texas oil producers

Dr. Ray Perryman says commissioners made the right decision.

TEXAS, USA — In the last item on the Texas Railroad Commission's agenda for May 5, the commissioners motioned and seconded an action to dismiss the consideration of a proration on Texas oil producers.

The proposal was a joint request from Pioneer Natural Resources and Parsley Energy.

The request led to hours of testimony during an open hearing held in early April, and a follow up discussion held during an open hearing on April 28.

Finally the decision of whether or not to prorate came down to a vote held on May 5.

The request was denied by a vote of 2-1.

Energy economist Dr. Ray Perryman believes they got the decision right to leave the free market uninterrupted.

"We're already seeing producers cut back without being regulated. When the price of oil is below the break even number that tells you not to bring big new wells online and we're already seeing that happening," said Perryman.

Commissioner Sitton was the sole member to oppose the dismissal of the proposed proration.

He's concerned oil markets may not return to the demand they had earlier in the year for several years if not longer.

He expressed that he was not necessarily for proration, but wished a more analytical approach could've evaluated waste before proration had been dismissed.

Dr. Perryman believes a 20% proration on Texas oil producers would've only effected world oil supply by a maximum 1 percent, a figure that would have not have made a significant impact.

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