Early voting starts this Tuesday, February 20th, for the Democratic Party Primary, and the Williamson County Democratic Party is publishing a series of posts highlighting the races and candidates voters can expect to find on their ballots. Each post focuses on a different office and presents all candidates with the opportunity to answer the same series of four questions. In this article, we introduce the candidates for the Texas Railroad Commissioner.
The Texas Railroad Commission, despite its outdated name, is primarily responsible for overseeing the vast and influential oil and gas industry within the state. This powerful regulatory body issues permits for drilling operations, establishes production limits to manage resources, and enforces safety standards throughout the energy sector. They also maintain limited oversight of pipelines and certain mining activities.
Texas Railroad Commission
Bill Burch
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
The Texas Railroad Commission has failed its job to regulate the Oil & Gas industry and in doing so, has directly polluted our groundwater. As an oil well firefighter, I cannot stand on the sidelines any longer. I must directly address lack of environmental stewardship and fight for a better Texas.
What are your qualifications?
I have 23 years experience and have worked in over 60+ countries as an oilwell firefighter and drilling engineer and am a globally recognized subject matter expert in Energy including being a US Patent holder on carbon free hydrogen production.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Bring transparency to the agency and restore integrity by representing Texans not just oil producers, reduce the seismic events and establish produced water recycling to eliminate SWD wells, and lead the agency in the energy transition discussion with a concrete plan and vision to the next century.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
I have the experience, the technical knowledge, and operational background to fundamentally understand the energy business unlike any candidate before with the right mix of conservationism, environmental stewardship, and safety to make the TRRC truly an agency that represents all Texans.
Katherine Culbert
No website provided.
No email provided.
Why are you running for office?
Why do you feel it’s important to do so as a Democrat?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
What are your qualifications?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
Why should voters choose you in the Democratic Primary?
Candidate did not provide a response to this question.
Candidates for Texas Railroad Commissioner will appear on your ballot in this year’s Democratic Party Primary. Don’t forget to vote for this important office, and remember that early voting starts Tuesday, February 20 and continues through Friday, March 1. Election Day is Tuesday, March 5.
Find your polling place in Williamson County.