Meet the Democrats in race for a position on the Texas Railroad Commission
The Star-Telegram sent questionnaires to all candidates. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo
Occupation: Attorney at Law
Age: 63
Website: http://alonzo4txrrcommissioner.com
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with: Former State Rep. (D-Dallas) 1993-2015
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No. However, as criminal defense attorney, part of my practice involves representation in criminal proceedings.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Why are you seeking this office?
My goal is to bring needed bi-partisanship, diversity, transparency, and an open forum for discussion and decision making on issues of great importance to the citizens of Texas. This is the most important agency in Texas due to its impact on various aspects of our life - economic development, taxation through severance taxes and contributions to the tax base and Rainy-Day Fund, the environment and quality of life. However, the agency has been dominated by special interests, partisanship and a reluctance to undertake its regulatory responsibilities or take initiatives not sanctioned by the industry it regulates. I intend to change this
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
1) Protecting the environment – The market is glutted due to over production of oil and gas in Texas and the United States. It is necessary to take more aggressive efforts to reduce flaring and improve air quality by reviewing the permit process and reducing the number of permits being issued.(2) Increased regulation of pipelines – Environmentalists, landowners and local governments have raised concerns about both property rights and environmental consequences of proposed pipelines 3) Increase safety measures - to protect environment and workers.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
As a former State Representative, I can bring my experience passing legislation and establishing policy to support the rights of the unrepresented at the Railroad Commission. I was a staunch supporter of a strong Texas economy, the environment, equal rights and opportunity for all, including women and minorities,workers, labor, retirees and veterans. I served on powerful state house committees and panels as a legislator and in leadership positions. I was the first Mexican- American from North Texas elected to the Legislature. In early leadership, I was the first Hispanic elected President of the Student Government at the University of Texas.
Chrysta Castaneda
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 57
Website: www.chrystafortexas.com
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: Ran for the Democratic primary, 33rd Congressional District, 2012
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: Why are you seeking this officeNo personal or professional bankruptcies; one divorce.
Why are you seeking this office?
This is the most important environmental race in the country. When the current Commission fails to enforce our environmental protections, it comes with significant environmental consequences. As example is the lack of enforcement of 100-year-old laws against flaring -- the intentional burning of natural gas. Currently, companies flare enough gas across Texas to power the city of Houston. We could fix this by using available technology to convert that to power at wellsites and putting the excess into the power grid. Flaring harms the environment and human health and is illegal without exception permits, which are perpetually granted by the current commission.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
First, fix air quality by reducing flaring and fugitive emissions. Convert flared gas to power using onsite-generators run wellsite operations or be sold on the electric grid. Fugitive emissions -- those that escape from equipment, tanks, or elsewhere in the process — are underreported and need to be monitored and reduced.
Second, increase water recycling programs so less fresh water is used and less disposal is required.
Third, address the bureaucratic challenges facing the Railroad Commission, including antiquated regulations and resources; a competition for qualified and experienced personnel; current Railroad Commissioners who refuse to enforce existing laws; and underfunding.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I am an engineer, oil and gas attorney, community organizer and mom, with over 30 years of experience working in and around the oil and gas industry. I know both the law and the business of oil and gas and therefore have a strong understanding of where the problems lie, and how best to address those problems. I will work tirelessly to get elected and tirelessly to get the Railroad Commission back on track in enforcing our environmental protections and safety regulations.
Mark Watson
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 63
Website: www.watsonforrailroadcommission.com
Public offices you’ve held for, years: 2018, Candidate for District Judge, Dallas County, Texas, 2010, Candidate for District Attorney, Van Zandt County, Texas
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No arrests.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: Approximately 13 years ago I settled a lawsuit with SW Bell. No bankruptcies. In 2018, I was involved in a minor car accident. The other driver has filed a lawsuit in Dallas County.
Why are you seeking this office?
I am running to restore balance to the Texas Railroad Commission. Eight of the top ten counties for childhood asthma in the U.S. are in the Permian Basin. I will begin enforcing practices designed to protect Texas natural resources. Flaring is causing harmful air pollution in the Permian Basin. The RRC is allowing mining companies to do a poor job of reclamation andremediation of mining sites. I will get the Commission back to enforcing Texas laws designed to protect the environment, and ensure that Texas remains a world leader in safe and efficient production of oil and gas.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?:
1. Stop out of control flaring practices.
2. Strictly enforce emission reporting requirements.
3. Encourage the Legislature to extend and expand wind and solar business incentives which will help reduce greenhouse gas. For the first time, wind energy will surpass coal fired electricity in Texas in 2020! This has happened relatively quickly and it shows how smart energy practices can benefit all Texans.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I believe I am best able to work with other Commissioners to make decisions that will benefit working-class families in Texas. This job is not a law job, nor is it an engineering position. There are lawyers and engineers that already work for the Commission. This job is about working with other Commissioners to do the right thing and overcome pressure from the oil industry to make short-term decisions that have long-term bad effects on Texans.
Kelly Stone
Kelly Stone did not respond.
This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 8:51 AM with the headline "Meet the Democrats in race for a position on the Texas Railroad Commission."
