Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Natural Gas Facility Weatherization: What further changes, if any, are needed to ensure that Texas has sufficient power in times of extreme weather conditions?
Emissions: What impact does flaring from oil and gas wells have on climate change, and what is the role of the Railroad Commission in reducing the amount of flared gas from oil and gas wells in Texas?
Seismic Activity: How can the Railroad Commission reduce the risk of seismic activity or earthquakes caused by water disposal from oil and gas drilling?
Ethics: Since candidates for Railroad Commission often raise money and receive income from the oil and gas industry, how can citizens be assured that those donations and income will not influence how commissioners regulate the industry?
Stream the Democratic Primary Voters Guide
Bill Burch
I've been in the business 23 years, 65 countries as an oilwell firefighter and engineer. I'm a globally recognized subject matter expert, US patent holder, and I am trustworthy and reliable.
burch4trrc.com
Semi annual reviews of the identified critical infrastructure and confirmation by independent auditors of accuracy and verification of findings. Yearly review of new equipment/facilities as networks expand to confirm there's adequate protection. Investment in public dashboard technology to provide reliable data for supply to wholesale markets for public confidence in TRRC doing its job correctly.
Methane has a massive impact on climate change when flare stacks fail to maintain ignition. Flaring is a waste of resources not only from a monetary benefit for the State of Texas but for the royalty owners and society's benefit for use. Flaring should be only as needed in emergency exemption. RRC is fully responsible for reducing all flaring from the oilfields.
RRC has failed to monitor and manage toxic radioactive isotopy laden produced water disposal everywhere in Texas. We must determine which SWD wells must be highly limited due to extreme risk and implement strict limits on volumes per section to let pressures decline. We must properly plug old wells nearby SWDs to prevent zombie wells. We must invest in fresh water recycling technologies.
By being fully transparent with campaign finance documents and recusing oneself if rulings or actions present a perceived conflict of interest. Commissioners should also fully disclose in detail any royalties or working interest in companies or wells or projects that are under the jurisdiction of the RRC. The key is transparency and disclosure.
