Chairman Michael Williams: News and Blog

BLOG POST: Thank you

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Thank you for all of the support you gave to our campaign. With your help, I was able to share my energy vision for a prosperous Texas. Texas responded and we achieved our goal of winning our third statewide race together.

I am honored by the trust of my fellow Texans, confident in our purpose, and looking forward to continuing to serve as a leader of our great state. We have a lot of challenges ahead and much work to do. In all that we achieve, I hope you take pride in knowing that you helped to make this victory possible.

Donna joins me in thanking you for your long hours, your many prayers and loyal support. I could not have done it without you.

Gratefully,

NEWS STORY: MICHAEL WILLIAMS REELECTED!

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

With 93% of the vote reporting, Chairman Michael Williams leads his Democratic opponent 52% to 44% and has declared victory!

BLOG POST: I ask for your vote

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Friends,

Today is Election Day. Millions of Texans will go to the polls to cast their votes for President, U.S. Senate, Congress, Railroad Commission, Texas Supreme Court and many local races down the ballot. Every election is the most important for one reason: every election determines who will lead our state and nation in the future.

As you go to the polls today, I ask for your vote.

For nearly a decade, I have worked for the people of Texas on the Railroad Commission of Texas. Ensuring that Texans have abundant supplies of affordable, clean, reliable, safe and clean energy is my top priority.

As we look to the future, I have laid out my energy vision for a prosperous Texas. Energy is essential to the economic activity that sustains and improves the quality of life. Affordable and reliable energy are important for economic growth. Economic growth leads to prosperity, jobs, higher wages and new and exciting consumer products. And it is economic growth that funds clean, renewable and sustainable energy research, innovation and investments.

When you reelect me to the Commission, I will continue working towards pro-growth and clean solutions to our electricity challenges, solutions that both grow our economy and ensure we have clean air and water.

I will continue my work towards accelerating the development of a Texas alternative transportation fuels market, including transforming state and local governments and school buses to cleaner fuels such as CNG and propane.

I will continue to inspire Texas students to prepare for science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers to develop our next generation of energy innovators.

I will continue common-sense regulation of Texas’ energy industry as we explore for energy in safe and environmentally conscious methods.

These past months on the campaign trail, I have taken my energy vision to the voters in every corner of the state. Traveling the state of Texas constantly reminds me that Texas is great and not just because of its beauty or its God-given natural resources. Texas is great because of Texans.

I thank you for your support throughout this campaign. The phone calls, emails, block walking, talking with friends and neighbors, working polling locations, your thoughts and prayers -- everything you have done to help our campaign, I am grateful. Because of your help, we will win tonight.

Thank you,

Michael Williams
Chairman
Railroad Commission of Texas

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Houston Chronicle

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Railroad commissioner

We recommend the incumbent, Michael Williams.

Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

Oct. 29, 2008, 9:23PM

The Texas Railroad Commission may be the least understood important agency in state government. All the more reason why Texas voters should fully understand the importance of returning Michael Williams to a second term on the three-member commission.

Despite its name, the Railroad Commission has little to do with railroads anymore but much to do with energy. The commission, which served as the original model for OPEC, stands watch over the state's vital oil and gas sector. It is no place for on-the-job training.

Since 1999, Williams has proven himself a capable regulator of the energy industry and a creative thinker on technology and renewable energy. The gap in knowledge and experience between Republican Williams and his Democratic opponent, Mark Thompson of Austin, is as wide as any we have seen in our candidate screenings this election season.

Thompson, whose vocation working with the blind is commendable, does not possess the background to hold this pivotal position.

Williams, a Midland native and an attorney, has long immersed himself in efforts to strengthen the state's oil and gas industry while boosting the use of other energy sources.

His efforts to encourage the state's school districts to power their bus fleets with propane and compressed natural gas are a thoughtful blending of clean air objectives with economic considerations. Converting the bus fleets to clean-burning fuels would also bring significant cost savings to the districts.

Williams proposes to offer an incentive for innovators to develop clean-coal technology for Texas lignite, which the state has in abundance but is dirtier than other coal resources. His suggestion to treat carbon dioxide as a commodity rather than a costly waste product in the clean-coal process is innovative. CO₂ has a proven use as a means of enhancing oil production.

Williams also favors wider use of nuclear power and expansion of the state's wind power capacity. His big picture view that Texas will need "all of the above" — oil and gas, nuclear, coal, wind and solar — to power its economic future is squarely on the mark.

Williams is a strategic thinker whose ideas have benefited Texas for a decade. We endorse him for another term on the Texas Railroad Commission.

NEWS STORY: ABILENE REPORTER NEWS: RRC chief touts GOP politics, propane

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

RRC chief touts GOP politics, propane

By Loretta Fulton
Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Michael Williams, the chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas, brought a three-pronged campaign to Abilene on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Republican Women of West Central Texas, Williams touted Republican presidential candidate John McCain, his own candidacy for re-election to the RRC, and the merits of running vehicles like school buses and heavy equipment on clean-burning propane rather than diesel.

"It's a campaign within a campaign," Williams said, but emphasized that his re-election campaign, not the state, is footing the bill for a tour of 35 Texas cities in a propane-powered converted shuttle bus labeled "Powered by Texas" and bedecked in Williams campaign logos.

The point, Williams said, is to let people know that Texas has enough fuels of all types--oil, natural gas, and alternative--to get the job done.

"We have enough energy in Texas to power Texas," he said.

Williams, who grew up in Midland, was appointed to the RRC by then-Gov. George Bush in 1999. Williams was elected to a six-year term in 2002 and now is seeking re-election. He is the first black person to hold statewide elected office in Texas.

He faces Mark Thompson, a Democrat from Hamilton, and David Floyd, a Libertarian from Cedar Park in the Nov. 4 election.

Williams may have been "preaching to the choir" at the Republican luncheon Tuesday at the Abilene Country Club. But he hopes that people of all political persuasions will join his effort to promote clean energy like propane-powered vehicles.

The use of alternative fuels is just one of Williams' messages in his re-election bid, which is focusing on pro-growth, clean electricity solutions, renewed focus on math and science and, environmentally conscious energy exploration.

The propane-powered bus used on the tour gets about 300 miles on one tank-full, Williams said.

It gets about 8 miles to the gallon, roughly equivalent to diesel, he said.

Williams said the benefits of using propane are threefold: The price per gallon is about $1.25 to $1.50 per gallon cheaper than diesel, propane burns cleanly, and the federal government grants a 50-cent per gallon rebate to propane users.

Another benefit might be the quiet performance.

"The new propane school bus is almost silent," Williams said, "and it has more power than diesel."

Vehicles powered by propane can be refueled at about 1,500 places in Texas, Williams said, including Flying J truck stops. Most propane dealers can refuel vehicles, he said.

Currently, several school districts in the state are using propane-powered buses. Because of the rebate, Dallas County school districts that use the buses got a $1.3 million rebate last year, he said.

But Williams' visit wasn't all about promoting propane. He also spoke with eloquence and humor to the party faithful about supporting McCain for president as well as down-ballot Republican candidates such as himself.

He warned the ladies -- and a handful of men -- to remember to "show up" on Election Day or to vote early. He urged ignoring the mainstream media that he said would have voters believe the election already is lost for McCain to Democrat Barack Obama.

"They want you to be dispirited," he said, and not turn out to vote.

Williams spent more time campaigning for McCain than for himself, barely mentioning that he is running for re-election and has two opponents.

Instead, he touted McCain's credentials and experience and urged local Republicans to help get the Arizona senator elected president.

"We believe he is ready to lead this country," Williams said.

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Bryan/College Station Eagle

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Williams good for R.R. Commission

Eagle Editorial Board

There is an interesting twist on politics as usual. Texas has three African Ameri-cans elected to statewide offices: Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, Supreme Court Justice Dale Wainwright and Railroad Commission Chair-man Michael Williams.

At a time when the GOP is criticized for doing too little to attract black voters, all three men are longtime Republicans.

The Eagle will make its recommendations in the judicial races on Tuesday.

Today, we take a look at the Texas Railroad Commission race between Michael Williams and Democrat Mark Thompson.

Thompson is a disabilities rights advocate and therapist for blind children. He also served eight years as a police officer in Austin. While certainly a fine résumé, none of that has any relationship to the Railroad Com-mission, which is charged with regulating the oil and gas industry in Texas.

He says the three members of the commission have all benefited from campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry.

Williams points out, though, that such contributions by the industry are made to ensure that qualified candidates are elected.

Thompson says the commission has been lax in enforcing its rules, allowing shoddy oil and gas operations throughout the state.

Williams acknowledges there have been problems, but said the commission is working hard to correct them.

He notes that the agency was first in the country to require an financial assessment for liquid gas pipeline operators so those pipelines can more vigorously be inspected for safety. He also points to new requirements for operators drilling in urban areas to ensure the safety of people and the groundwater supply.

While the Railroad Commis-sion -- both candidates favor a name change to reflect its mission -- is primarily concerned with the oil and gas industry, Williams wants to expand its efforts to include clean-coal generation, safe nuclear power generation and wind power.

Williams also pushes for conversion of vehicles to alternative sources of fuel, including propane and natural gas.

It would be hard to find a more qualified candidate for the Railroad Commission than Michael Williams. He has been on the job for eight years and has represented Texans well.

The Eagle recommends a vote for Michael Williams for re-election to the Texas Railroad Commission.

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Midland Reporter-Telegram

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

This is another easy choice for us since former Midlander Michael Williams is running for another term. He is facing opposition from Democrat Jim Jordan and Libertarian David Floyd. Williams has been an excellent commissioner and is a rising star among Texas Republicans.

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

RECOMMENDATION: TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSION

Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams has the experience, knowledge and will necessary to advance a forward-looking agenda for an agency with a name mired in the past.

The commission no longer has anything to do with regulating railroads, the purpose for which it was created in the late 19th century. For many years now, the agency’s chief mission has been to regulate the state’s oil and gas industry, which has been dramatically revitalized in recent years by higher energy prices and a sharp uptick in drilling activity aided by technological advances such as horizontal drilling.

That has led to a natural gas drilling boom in the Barnett Shale in North Texas, including heavily populated Fort Worth and Tarrant County. That in turn has fostered concern about gas explosions, groundwater pollution and expansion of gas pipeline systems into residential neighborhoods in heavily urbanized areas.

Williams, 55, a Republican, is seeking another six-year term on the commission, where he has served nearly a decade. He is opposed in the Nov. 4 general election by Democrat Mark Thompson, 49, of Hamilton, who does therapy work with blind people, and Libertarian David Floyd, 33, of Austin, a business owner.

Thompson won an impressive primary victory over two better-known challengers. He has made a strong effort to educate himself about commission operations and has a genuine concern about protecting the public from any negative effects of gas drilling. But Williams, an attorney and former Justice Department prosecutor in the Reagan administration, also has such concerns while possessing an edge in knowledge and experience.

Williams has a forward-looking agenda. The commission is requesting that the Legislature appropriate money for hiring 35 more inspectors for oil and gas wells and pipelines, with perhaps 40 to 50 percent of the added staff to be assigned to North Texas to keep watch on Barnett Shale operations. The commission also has opened a field office in Fort Worth.

As a result of the new urban drilling, Williams said the state must undertake "a brand new conversation about a range of issues," including what new rules might be needed regarding the construction of gas pipelines.

Williams has vigorously pushed for diversification of Texas’ energy mix through efforts such as developing clean-coal technologies and encouraging less-polluting, propane-powered school buses.

The Star-Telegram recommends Michael Williams for the Texas Railroad Commission.

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Amarillo Globe-News

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Editorial: Williams is on right track

West Texas occasionally gets the short shrift among the power brokers in Austin.

That is a reason - although not the key reason - to keep Republican Michael Williams in the Texas Railroad Commission seat he has held since 1999.

Williams is the longest-serving member of the three-person panel. He hails from Midland, where he worked as a lawyer before joining the Railroad Commission.

He brings high energy and a keen understanding of energy issues, which is the commission's sole regulatory responsibility.

Williams is being challenged by Democrat Mark Thompson of Austin.

Williams, who is serving as the chairman of the Railroad Commission (the position is rotated among its members), is working on developing clean coal technology in Texas.

That is a welcome initiative in a state that doesn't produce a lot of coal, but which must be at the forefront of any energy-reform movement, given our state's long history of oil and natural gas production.

Energy policy reform needs experienced hands at the Railroad Commission, which is served well by its three members, which, in addition to Williams, include Victor Carrillo and Elizabeth Ames Jones.

As the state and nation engage fully in an energy debate, Texas needs someone with Williams' many years at the helm.

Voters should keep Michael Williams on the job at the Texas Railroad Commission.

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Yes on Michael Williams

The Republican incumbent has earned another term on the Texas Railroad Commission, the state's oldest regulatory commission.

Since he was first elected in 2000, Mr. Williams consistently has demonstrated his abilities as a state government leader who cares about energy producers, about streamlining regulation and about making government more effective.

"Affordable and reliable energy are important for economic growth. And it is economic growth that funds clean, renewable and sustainable energy research, innovation and investments," he says.

What others are saying:

"I have known Michael Williams for over 20 years and can proudly vouch for his honesty, integrity, and conservative principles.

"He is a true Texan and a great asset to the Texas Railroad Commission." - Kent Hance, Texas Tech System chancellor, former Congressman and Railroad Commissioner.

"Michael Williams is clearly the most knowledgeable, experienced candidate for the panel that oversees much of Texas' energy industry. ...

"He understands Texas' energy needs far better than his challenger, Austin Democrat Mark Thompson." - Denton Record Chronicle.

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Waco Tribune-Herald

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Editorial: Michael Williams for Texas Railroad Commission

It’s called the Texas Railroad Commission, but it’s nothing of the sort. Mostly it’s about energy, and that’s what Commissioner Michael Williams is about.

His leadership on the Clean Coal Technology Council has kept Texas in the running for clean-coal research and development.

He’s chaired the Governor’s Competitiveness Council and has a panoramic view of the state’s potential, including alternative energy.

The Trib editorial board recommends the Republican for his second full term on the panel. His Democratic opponent, Mark Thompson, makes pipeline safety central to his campaign.

Williams has a broader grasp of issues and the energy to make things happen from the commission.

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: San Antonio Express-News

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams is seeking a second full term.

First elected in 2000 after being appointed to an unexpired term, Williams has evolved into an active, able leader on the energy issues that confront the commission.

In addition to easily mastering the routine aspects of the job, Williams has developed a vision for energy policy that will lead the state in the right direction for the future.

Democrat Mark Thompson and Libertarian David Floyd are challenging Williams.

The incumbent is unequivocally the right choice in the contest.

Williams has pushed for innovation and supports developing alternative energy.

He has been instrumental in moving Texas school buses from gasoline and diesel to natural gas and propane.

The Midland native also did an admirable job of leading the state's ultimately unsuccessful effort to win the FutureGen federal project that would develop a clean-coal electricity generating plant.

Williams continues to push for the development of clean coal technology.

Democratic challenger Thompson lacks experience and knowledge in dealing with the energy issues facing the commission and the state.

Williams is the best choice.

We recommend that voters cast their ballots to give Williams another term.

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Austin American-Statesman

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

ENDORSEMENT

Texas Railroad Commission: Energy experience gives Michael Williams an edge

EDITORIAL BOARD

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Even some native Texans are surprised to learn that the Texas Railroad Commission has little regulatory authority over railroads. The agency's misleading 19th century name masks an essential 21 century function: the regulation of the state's energy industry.

Selection of the three-member commission is usually a low-profile affair, funded largely by industry interests. But with growing concern over the national and state energy future, voters should pay attention to the race between Republican incumbent Michael Williams, 55, Democrat Mark Thompson, 49, and Cedar Park Libertarian David Floyd, 33.

We recommend Williams for another six-year term on the commission. The early voting period in the 2008 general election begins Oct. 20. Election day is Nov. 4.

Besides regulation of the oil and gas industry, the commission is the chief overseer of the state's pipeline transporters and coal and uranium surface mines, and it regulates the environmental impact of closing old wells once they are out of production.

Williams and Thompson want to change the name of the commission to reflect its duties. The Legislature should approve a bill in the 2009 session. Thompson has called for reforming the way commissioners finance their campaigns, largely through donations from those they regulate. But he has offered no practical solutions for financing a statewide campaign for a largely unknown office.

Williams is the better choice because of his superior knowledge of energy issues, years of experience and balanced approach to the state's energy needs.

Williams has served on the commission since 1999 and is serving a second term as chairman. During that time, he has pushed with success to get Texas involved with developing new engines for school buses and other vehicles that run on propane instead of diesel or gasoline. He has traveled the state to promote propane buses and helped school districts purchase them with state and federal grants available from his agency.

The benefits are both financial and environmental, because "propane is cheaper than diesel and gasoline, much cheaper and domestically produced," Williams said. He has a point.

Williams believes that Texas will be better off if it diversifies its energy sources to make power, using all varieties of fuels, such as natural gas, clean coal, nuclear, wind, solar and biomass.

He offers two ways Texas can lead on that front. The state can pass legislation to encourage and accommodate the development of facilities that burn clean coal. And it can find a way to store power from wind that is plentiful in West Texas in the morning and evening but scarce during afternoons.

Those measures make sense because they would use power sources abundant in Texas, would be less polluting to the environment and would create jobs.

We would urge Williams to strengthen the commission's watchdog role to ensure the safety of gas pipelines. During his tenure, Williams has demonstrated a deep knowledge of complex regulatory issues and a vision for Texas' energy future. Voters would be wise to return him to office.

NEWS STORY: Williams Kicks-Off Statewide "Powered By Texas" CNG Bus Tour

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Chairman Michael Williams, Texas Railroad Commission, kicks off a three-week, 30+ county statewide bus tour next week in a clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) bus.

Williams, who is running for reelection, will underscore his “Powered By Texas” bus as he joins local Republican candidates in various cities throughout the state for Republican get-out-the-vote rallies, math and science summits, and events at CNG filling stations.

“CNG is a clean-burning gas that is abundant here in Texas. We can grow our economy, have a cleaner environment, and achieve energy security. And we can do it right here in Texas,” said Williams, the longest-serving member of the Commission.

“Further, we must encourage our young people to excel in the fields of math and science to grow into tomorrow’s innovators to develop these emerging technologies to meet our future energy needs,” continued Williams.

Honda, Ford, GM, Mercedes and Toyota are already making CNG vehicles or are in the development phase. After-market conversions are also available, including the ability to fill up from a home’s existing natural gas service.

CNG creates Texas jobs, spurs the Texas economy, is better for the environment, and is more affordable. When factoring in the $.50/per gallon federal tax rebate on CNG, Texans can fill up for approximately $1.50 per gallon today. Further, it is up to 90 percent cleaner than gasoline.

“Texans’ cars and trucks can be ‘Powered By Texas’; Texas energy, creating Texas jobs, growing Texas’ economy for a cleaner Texas environment,” concluded Williams.

Williams’ tour highlights the themes of his reelection campaign: pro-growth, clean electricity solutions; developing the alternative transportation fuels market; renewed focus on math and science; and environmentally conscious energy exploration.

The tour kicks off Monday morning, October 13. The first day schedule is as follows:

WHEN:
Monday October 13, 2008
Austin – 7:30 a.m.
Round Rock – 10:45 a.m.
San Marcos – 2:30 p.m.
New Braunfels – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:
AUSTIN
Travis County GOP Headquarters
10711 Burnet Road

ROUND ROCK
Williamson County Republican Women Lunch
Alan R. Baca Center
301 W. Bagdad Ave.

SAN MARCOS
The Quad - Texas State University
LBJ Street-Top of the hill

NEW BRAUNFELS
Comal County GOP Headquarters
645 Walnut Street

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Chairman Michael Williams received the endorsement of Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), a volunteer-led organization working to restore fairness and balance to our civil justice system through political action; legal, academic, and market research; and grassroots initiatives. Williams is running for reelection to his position on the Texas Railroad Commission.

"Earning the support of an organization that works every day to ensure that Texas' business climate is the most attractive in the nation is an honor. The members of this fine organization and I agree: recent civil justice reform efforts have helped ensure Texas is a great place to do business. And in a time when energy exploration is a key component to our growing economy, we need to make sure that oil and gas producers are able to go about their business without fear of frivolous litigation," said Williams, the longest-serving member of the Commission.

TLR is made up of more than 16,000 individual supporters in 818 towns and cities, representing 1,266 different trades, businesses and professions.

BLOG POST: Over 1,000 Facebook Friends!

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

1,002 by 10/02. We did it! Thanks for all of your support in helping us reach over 1,000 Friends on Facebook.

Now, more than ever, we have to use any means of communication available to us to communicate our message of providing Texans with affordable, clean, reliable and safe energy for our future.

Let's not stop here. Help us by continuing to invite your friends to join us on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, on our website, WilliamsForTexas.com, and any of our 14 social networking sites and Web 2.0 resources as we work towards our energy vision for a prosperous Texas.

NEWS STORY: KRIS-TV Corpus Christi: CCISD May Switch To Propane School Buses

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

CORPUS CHRISTI - Texas school districts have been hit hard by high diesel prices and many of them have started turning to propane as an alternative.

The Texas Railroad Commission encouraged Corpus Christi's local schools districts to buy buses that run on propane Thursday.

This year, Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) is running fewer bus routes. In fact, the district has cut the number of routes from 80 to 60. Part of the reason they decreased the routes was because of high gas prices, and they are not the only district struggling.

High fuel prices have been hitting the school districts hard this year and districts like CCISD are trying to balance their budgets.

"It's very hard. Gas is going up and every district is trying to cut money somehow," Robstown ISD's Lee Roy Gonzalez said.

Instead of cutting the budget to factor in high fuel prices, some districts might switch to propane.

"[Using propane] is just much cheaper to run and you can recover it next year," Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams said.

Williams spoke with local districts about the benefits of switching to propane fueled buses on Thursday.

"[If] you make this decision now, it will be a cheaper cost to taxpayers, and cheaper for the school district because it costs less to run a bus on propane than it does on diesel," Williams added.

Some companies are offering rebates to help offset the cost of buying propane buses, which is about $10,000 more than a diesel bus.

Also, another benefit is that the price of propane is cheaper than gas or diesel. In fact, there is even a 50 cent rebate for every gallon of propane purchased.

In addition, officials said the propane buses are better for the environment.

"It makes a whole lot of sense because of the emissions that come out of the back of that tailpipe on these buses. These propane buses [have] a whole lot fewer [emissions] than the emissions that come out of that typical diesel bus," Williams said.

Online Reporter: Thomas Piland

KRISTV.com

NEWS STORY: DRC: Propane buses pay off for school district

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

08:37 AM CDT on Wednesday, October 1, 2008
By Britney Tabor / Staff Writer

The Denton school district’s transportation program received a check for more than $390,000 for its alternative fuel program on Tuesday.

Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams presented the check and praised the district for using more than 90 propane buses that help keep the air clean for area schoolchildren. The check represented a more than $82,000 grant from the commission’s propane bus rebate program and a $308,000 reimbursement from Blue Bird bus distributor Rush Enterprises.

Williams said Denton sets an example for other districts statewide by having one of the largest alternative fuel fleets in Texas.

By choosing to use propane over diesel, the district and 35 others like it statewide have taken a positive step that’s cost effective and makes them less dependent on foreign oil, he said.

“I’m excited about it,” Williams said. “It helps the school districts to make a decision that’s in the best interest of the taxpayers and the students of the district.”

Since the Alternative Fuel Program’s inception in 1995, the district has added 96 propane buses to its fleet. This fall the district will eliminate 30 diesel buses and replace them with 44 additional propane buses. After the addition of the buses, the district can anticipate receiving more than $267,000 in additional funds from the Texas Emissions Reduction Program.

Gene Holloway, district transportation director, said by choosing to use propane fuel, the school district will save $400,000 annually. On average, the district spends about $1.65 a gallon for propane compared to an average of $3.42 for diesel.

Ray Braswell, school district superintendent, said money is tight and the economy is uncertain and any way that the district can cut costs is a positive thing. He said for every dollar that is saved by using propane, a dollar can be put toward instructional use. That, he said, is the major accomplishment.

“This money is putting money back into the classroom,” he said.

BRITNEY TABOR can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is btabor@dentonrc.com .

NEWS STORY: ENDORSEMENT: Denton Record-Chronicle

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

03:50 PM CDT on Saturday, September 20, 2008

We recommend Michael Williams for another term on the Texas Railroad Commission, though we do so with some reservation, despite the fact that he's clearly the most knowledgeable, experienced candidate for the panel that oversees much of Texas' energy industry.

He has served on the commission since 1999 and is in his second term as chairman. He understands Texas' energy needs far better than his challenger, Austin Democrat Mark Thompson, who can't get beyond the broadest of generalities when discussing energy issues.

Mr. Thompson, 49, does raise one crucial point. The commission must pay closer attention to the safety of gas pipelines.

Mr. Williams, 55, responds that it immediately investigated two major pipeline accidents. Perhaps, but the commission took 13 months before finally ordering companies to replace faulty pipeline couplings over a two-year period. That was not leadership. It needlessly endangered Texans near those couplings.

Republican Williams deserves credit for trying to bring a federal cutting-edge fuels project to Texas. That effort failed, but he's working now on plans to develop Texas coal with fewer emissions.

We hope he matches that with renewed zeal about the commission's watchdog role.

NEWS STORY: Williams to Participate in Gingrich's “Solution’s Day 2008”

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Chairman Michael Williams will be the moderator at Newt Gingrich’s “Solution’s Day 2008” in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday.

Solutions Day is an annual event to inform, connect, and mobilize citizen leaders to help win America's future. More than 100,000 people participated nationwide at the inaugural Solutions Day. The second annual Solutions Day, available by live stream, will be historic in its content and its citizen involvement.

The theme of Solutions Day 2008 is "We Have the Power" and will focus on providing citizens with the tools, knowledge, and training they need to transform government at all levels--from school boards and city councils to state legislatures and Congress (513,000 elected offices).

“It is an enormous honor to join one of our country’s great thinkers in Speaker Gingrich as he continues his efforts to lead transformational change in our country. In a time when we hear so much about change, it is good to join hands with an individual who has done it at the highest levels and continues to do so today,” said Williams.

In addition to moderating the event, Williams will give a presentation in the Solution’s Day segment entitled “Energy Options and Solutions.”

The events can be viewed on Dish Network (channel 219) and Direct TV (channel 577) on Saturday from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm EDT.

For more information, log on to http://www.SolutionsDay2008.com