Katherine Culbert, candidate for Position 1 on the Texas Railroad Commission, spoke to the Bandera County Democratic Club on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Silver Sage Dining Room.
Culbert, a chemical engineer and safety process engineer who lives in Houston and works for a petrochemical company, provided a history of the Railroad Commission, explaining that it no longer oversees railroads. Today, the agency regulates pipelines, oil and gas production, and related industry operations.
Culbert highlighted the issue of orphan and zombie wells: oil and gas wells that have ceased production and lack responsible ownership. She said these wells can leak methane or toxins and potentially contaminate groundwater.
“We need a strong Railroad Commission,” Culbert said, noting that Texas has an estimated 9,000 orphan and zombie wells. In 2025 so far, 653 wells were addressed with a budget of $31 million, she said. Culbert emphasized her commitment to visiting sites in the field to better understand the problems.
Following the presentation, President Anna Montague led the business meeting.
Treasurer Anne Valentino reported 48 dues-paying members. David Black gave the Public Relations report in place of Jodi Sinclair.
The Activities Committee highlighted upcoming events, including the Bandera Canyonlands Alliance annual meeting, the Bandera Kronkoski Library fundraiser, a League of Women Voters Voting 101 session, and the Arthur Nagel Clinic Cork & Fork fundraiser on Nov. 15.
Precinct Chair Robert Rios discussed an upcoming rally in Bandera and a rally in Kerrville on Oct. 18. Club Secretary Josh Green proposed sending informational postcards to Bandera County Democrats. Democratic Party Chairman Lynn Oliver encouraged members to complete online poll worker training, stressing the importance of having at least one Democratic poll worker at each site to avoid precinct consolidation.
The club voted to continue the annual Coat Drive, led by Essie Stewart. Members also approved small donations to the Hill Country Billboard Project and Texas Public Radio’s Resiliency Fund. Other issues were tabled.
Montague adjourned the meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 11 at 12 p.m. at the Silver Sage Dining Room.
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