(KENEDY) — Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt, R-Lexington, on Thursday (Nov. 13) hosted constituents at an open house in Kenedy so they could ask state agency officials questions about state laws and regulations impacting the Eagle Ford Shale.

The come-and-go event allowed residents to receive answers from agency experts representing the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the state's oil and gas industry; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; and Texas Department of Transportation.

"As development continues in the Eagle Ford Shale, many Texans have questions about oil and gas regulation, transportation and public safety," said Senator Zaffirini, an organizer of the Eagle Ford Shale Legislative Caucus (EFSLC) and a member of the Senate Finance and Natural Resources committees. "As the highest-producing county in the shale, Karnes County is at the epicenter of the energy boom, making it the perfect venue for an open house where the public can interact with agency experts."

As of Nov. 10 there were 33 rigs operating in Karnes County.

"The production of oil and natural gas in the Eagle Ford Shale generated more than $87 billion in total economic output for the state last year," said Rep. Kleinschmidt, a member of the EFSLC. "Therefore I am committed to continuing to work with the agencies and all my constituents to make certain that this economic surge continues for many generations safely and effectively."

SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI and Avelino “Lino” Garcia of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality visit with a constituent at an open house in Kenedy. An organizer of the Eagle Ford Shale Legislative Caucus and a member of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Senator Zaffirini prioritizes legislation and funding that address the opportunities and challenges related to development in the shale region.

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