Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC SAFETY: What steps would you take to eliminate the backlog of uncapped abandoned oil, gas, and injection wells across the state?our campaign donors?
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: How would you improve transparency and public participation in the Commission’s rulemaking and permitting process?
MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT: How would you ensure that the Commission is able to provide adequate monitoring and enforcement to the oil, gas, and mining sectors?
CHALLENGES: What do you see as the two greatest challenges to the office, and how would you address them?
Katherine Culbert
I am a Process Safety Engineer who helps Oil & Gas companies operate safely to protect communities and workers and follow regulations. I care about my fellow Texans and want everyone to thrive here.
RRC received added funds in the last budget to plug orphan wells. This funding level needs to continue, and yearly plugging targets need to continue to be exceeded. New plugging requirement laws will help keep new wells from being added to the list. We need better oversight during the well-plugging activities to ensure our dollars are being spent effectively and wells are being properly plugged.
Texans deserve clear oversight, responsible stewardship of natural resources, and a Commission that is open about how decisions are made and how public input is used. Monthly RRC meetings are streamed, and we need to allow remote public input to the meetings. Communication about upcoming rulemaking and permitting needs to be improved to allow for increased public participation.
The annual monitoring and enforcement plan defines strategic priorities. It is necessary to work with impacted community members and the professionals in the agency to develop a comprehensive plan. Adequate staffing levels and expertise are necessary for proper implementation.
Texans need access to reliable and cost-conscious energy. I will pursue policies that help prevent unnecessary rate burdens and ensure that families, businesses and communities benefit from a stable and efficient energy market. Texas must be prepared for a rapidly changing energy landscape. From new tech to shifting market demands, we need to modernize operations and plan for long-term resilience.
New Paragraph
