Final answer:
The Texas oil industry lobby focuses on influencing the Texas Railroad Commission due to its regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Texas oil industry lobby focuses on influencing the Texas Railroad Commission because the commission has regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and gas industry in Texas. The commission's decisions and regulations directly impact the operations and profitability of the oil industry in the state.
By lobbying the Texas Railroad Commission, the oil industry can advocate for policies and regulations that benefit their interests. They can influence the commission's decisions on issues such as drilling permits, safety regulations, and environmental standards, which can have significant economic and operational implications for oil companies.
For example, if the government imposes costly new regulations to make oil drilling a safer job, the oil industry lobby may want to influence the Texas Railroad Commission to mitigate the impact of these regulations or seek exemptions for certain requirements.