Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter says he'll convene a panel to advise him on possible threats to oil and gas infrastructure by Mexican drug cartels.
Porter, who's from Midland, wants more information on protecting pipelines and state inspectors. He says his informal advisory team could include lawmakers and representatives of the private sector.
Porter says solutions could include issuing satellite phones to inspectors working in remote areas where cellphone service is spotty.
He's raised South Texas pipeline security issues with federal authorities.
Carlos Espinosa, head of special projects for the commission, says his office has met with people in the industry, pipeline safety officials and the Texas Department of Public Safety on such issues.
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Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com
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