The Latest Breaking News from Drew Darby

Rep. Drew Darby tears into oil and gas commissioner for defying order to appear at Capitol

Wayne Christian said his agency’s meeting kept him from addressing lawmakers about eliminating some public comments at the Texas Railroad Commission.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 15

Texas lawmaker wants oil regulators to explain why they ended public comment at meetings

The Texas Railroad Commission changed the rules over public comment earlier this month, raising eyebrows from transparency activists and the lawmaker who helped rewrite the state’s open meeting laws.

The Texas Tribune · Aug 28

Texas lawmakers: Cannabis is here to stay. And we will regulate the market in 2027.

Lawmakers and industry leaders gathered in Austin this week to discuss the future of the market. “We almost have to take it on,” a Republican state House member said.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 31

Sirens, gauges and flood prevention: What the Texas Legislature could do in response to Hill Country disaster

Gov. Greg Abbott has promised to add flood response to the agenda for the July 21 special session, with an expected focus on alert systems and local recovery.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 9, 2025

Texas creating task forces to target Permian Basin oil field thefts

Texas lawmakers passed a suite of bills that officials said are crucial to combat losses in the state’s largest oil field.

The Texas Tribune · Jun 20, 2025

Oil companies win protections from Texas Legislature ahead of selling fracking water

At least four companies say they are prepared to treat the water well enough to be released into rivers in West Texas. Environmental groups say the state is moving too fast.

The Texas Tribune · May 28, 2025

Oil companies want protection as Texas considers allowing treated fracking water released into rivers

As the state grapples with a threatened water supply, industry and lawmakers have invested millions in research to clean the toxic backwash for use in for agriculture.

The Texas Tribune · May 19, 2025

“It’s what’s best for a very select few”: Some Texans are skeptical about vouchers as they near the finish line

Texas Republican lawmakers in regions known for support of public schools defended voting for vouchers, saying they gained leverage to seek concessions.

The Texas Tribune · Apr 21, 2025

In private school voucher push, Gov. Abbott breaks through by playing hardball

Anti-voucher Republicans said they voted for the bill so they could fight to improve it, and also to fend off political retribution.

The Texas Tribune · Apr 17, 2025

Texas House committee assignments extend power of experienced GOP leaders

Republicans chair all committees, as promised, while Democrats will lead half of the newly created subcommittees.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 13, 2025