After weeks of discussion, the RRC dismissed Pioneer and Parsley Energy’s verified complaint to determine reasonable market demand for oil in the State of Texas. Although there was no formal vote on proration, Chairman Christian clarified that this motion allows the RRC to “move past the discussion on proration” and “ensures Texas companies, rather than the government, can decide for themselves what level of production cuts make sense for them.” Notably, this dismissal follows after RRC Chairman Christian posted an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle on April 29 stating he was against proration. The dismissal was opposed by Commissioner Sitton who stated that the RRC did not adequately quantify waste, determine if there was reasonable market demand, and did not determine if proration would help reduce said waste. However, with a 2-to-1 vote, the motion was dismissed.
