The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) has named 13 members to the newly created State Task Force on Petroleum Theft (STOPTHEFT), an initiative established under Senate Bill 494 to address organized petroleum theft that continues to impact Texas oil and gas operations.
The task force brings together representatives from major operators, trade associations, and law enforcement agencies to develop strategies and policy recommendations to prevent theft of crude oil, condensate, and refined products. Members include executives from ConocoPhillips, Occidental Petroleum, Diamondback Energy, Ring Energy, and the Texas Oil & Gas Association, along with officials from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Howard County Sheriff’s Office.
RRC Chairman Jim Wright, who will chair the task force, said more than 40% of oil and gas operators have reported theft-related losses in the past year. “Petroleum theft not only impacts producers, it also affects state revenues — and it must stop,” Wright said.
Commissioner Christi Craddick described the issue as “increasingly organized and sophisticated,” while Commissioner Wayne Christian emphasized that petroleum theft “threatens Texas’ economic security and America’s energy supply.”
The task force will review laws and enforcement practices in other jurisdictions, analyze the economic impact of theft, and make recommendations to strengthen law enforcement training and state policy. Its first meeting is scheduled later this month, with a report to be submitted to the Governor and Legislature upon completion.
STOPTHEFT task force members include:
• Tony Dickie (ConocoPhillips)
• Judy Stark (SNW Operating Company)
• Clete Buckaloo (Occidental Petroleum)
• Allan Bloxsom (Fort Apache Energy)
• Colleen Reda (Surge Operating)
• Hollie Lamb (Ring Energy)
• Carey Matthews (Diamondback Energy)
• Ed Longanecker (Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association)
• Michael Lozano (Permian Basin Petroleum Association)
• Tulsi Oberbeck (Texas Oil & Gas Association)
• Timothy Murphy (Texas Department of Public Safety)
• Nathan Jeronimus (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
• Stan Parker (Howard County Sheriff)
Additionally, Bill Keffer (Texas Tech University) and Cole Harrison (Fiesta Energy) will serve as advisors to the task force.
