Commission vice chair urges council counsel to state franchise policy in Texas Gas talks

Paul Robbins, vice chair of the Resource Management Commission, told the Climate, Water, Environment, Parks Committee that the pending Texas Gas Service franchise negotiation is "a once in a generation opportunity to get long needed reforms" and asked counsel to "go on record about what you want in this franchise."

Robbins said several commission members spoke at a prior meeting and relayed a multifaceted resolution to counsel; he asked the committee to consider most or all of that advice. He also warned against rushing the process to meet staff's proposed schedule, saying, "Please take the extra time to get this right if it's needed," and urging the committee not to be "crowded by what I think is an artificial deadline."

The Chair thanked Robbins for his remarks. The committee did not take action on the franchise during this meeting; Robbins’ comments were made during the public‑comment period and were not debated by members at this session.