On Thursday, State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) was appointed to serve on the three House committees: Energy Resources, Environmental Regulation, and Local & Consent Calendars. 

"I am honored to serve District 81 in the Texas House of Representatives and strongly believe my appointment to these three committees will benefit West Texas. I will be working hard to make the most of these opportunities for the communities and constituents I serve," Landgraf said.

The Energy Resources and Environmental Regulation committees in particular are important to the Permian Basin economy and the oil and gas industry.  

The Energy Resources Committee has jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the production, regulation, transportation, and development of oil, gas, and other energy resources.  

The jurisdiction of the Environmental Regulation Committee includes matters related to downstream oil and gas products as well as water.  

The Local & Consent Calendars Committee controls the flow of most legislation that is debated and voted on the floor of the House of Representatives, making the committee a key safeguard. 

"Now that committees have been assigned, we will begin to hold hearings on bills and determine how best to solve the issues facing our great state and I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work," Landgraf said. 

The current 85th Texas legislative session will run through May 29, 2017.