The Republican primary for the Texas Railroad Commission has drawn attention as candidates express concerns about conflicts of interest and the agency’s credibility. For years, the Commission has faced criticism for its perceived alignment with the oil and gas industry it is tasked with regulating. This year’s primary features several candidates advocating for reform, with a focus on transparency and accountability.
Among the candidates, Katherine Culbert, a process safety engineer, stands out due to her qualifications and commitment to public welfare. At 50 years old, Culbert emphasizes a preventive approach to energy regulation, aiming to protect workers and communities. She highlighted the issue of orphan wells, stating, “When a plugged well leaks, the Commission needs to take responsibility for the well, no matter the history.” In her submission to the Voter Guide, she expressed that “It does not benefit Texans to have the Railroad Commission turning away from helping landowners because of an old well that is not on the books.”
Other candidates include Hawk Dunlap, 55, who brings extensive experience from oil fields globally, and James Matlock, 53, who presented specific examples of how the agency is failing everyday Texans. Matlock proposed renaming the agency to better reflect its mission and expanding its oversight to include more energy sources. However, concerns arose regarding a post he made on January 31 on social media, where he justified the use of deadly force against protesters.
Both Culbert and Dunlap, along with Matlock, have pledged to refrain from accepting contributions from the oil and gas industry. According to the Texas Ethics Commission, Dunlap has raised approximately $65,000, while Culbert has garnered around $7,000. Matlock stated that he is self-financing his campaign. In contrast, incumbent Jim Wright reported raising over $440,000, with significant contributions linked to the oil sector. Notably, Wright recently recused himself from a vote involving an oilfield waste company with which he has financial ties, an action that garnered media attention due to its rarity.
Culbert reiterated the need for mandatory recusal processes to enhance the Commission’s integrity, stating, “Recusal needs to be mandatory.” This sentiment underscores the broader concern about the agency’s credibility and the perception of conflicts of interest. The current operational issues have even been referenced in popular culture, including a punchline in the series Landman by Taylor Sheridan, illustrating the widespread recognition of the Commission’s challenges.
As the primary approaches, the candidates’ proposals for reform and their commitment to transparency could reshape the future of the Texas Railroad Commission. Engaged citizens are encouraged to share their thoughts on this pressing issue, with letters to the editor welcome for publication.
