As he approached a simple wooden table to testify about ozone, Tom Smith didn’t have to speak to draw the attention of one of Texas’ leading conservative lawmakers.

State Sen. Craig Estes (R) singled out Smith for his “tireless” work on the environment, and a round of applause ensued. The director of Public Citizen’s Texas office, sporting his familiar white and gray beard, nodded. The “Smitty” retirement tour was underway.

— Energy Wire