Today, the Senate Chamber played host to the swearing in ceremony of Texas Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo. Carrillo was appointed Railroad Commissioner in 2003 by Governor Rick Perry to fill the vacancy left when Commissioner Tony Garza became U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Carrillo was elected to the office during the 2004 general election and will serve a six year term. Governor Perry introduced Carrillo at his swearing in today, saying he appointed Carrillo in 2003 because of he is "an outstanding leader, a good man, and a great Texan," adding that he "has desire, will, and the work ethic to do whatever he will."

Following his swearing in by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, Carrillo pledged to ensure Texas remains one of the top energy producers in the U.S. and also to make sure that Texans of the future have plenty of energy sources. Carrillo is also the chairman of the Texas Energy Plan Council, and promised to work hard to pass key provisions of the council's plan. The plan recommends a consolidation of energy related functions under the Railroad Commission, providing tax incentives for exploratory well digging through 2009, and expanding available renewable resource energy through 2025.

The Capitol continues to prepare for the upcoming 79th Legislative Session, as lawmakers return to Austin from their various districts. The Senate will convene for the 79th Session on Tuesday, January 11th.

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