Weems Files for Seat on Railroad Commission
Jeff Weems Campaign—December 4th, 2009
Houston attorney Jeff Weems filed paperwork Thursday morning with the Texas Democratic Party, entering the 2010 race for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission. Weems will challenge incumbent Republican Victor Carrillo.
“The Texas Railroad Commission can do far more than it is doing now to protect all Texans,” Weems said. “The incumbent commissioners enforce rules unevenly, which places a huge financial burden on some industry participants and on Texas consumers,” he continued.
Weems, an Honors Graduate of both the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas and the University of Texas School of Law, is an energy litigation partner with the Houston firm of Harrison, Bettis, Staff, McFarland & Weems, L.L.P. He has nearly two decades of experience representing exploration companies, service companies, and landowners. Before becoming an attorney, Weems labored on drilling rigs, worked as a ‘mud man’ and spent several years as a petroleum landman.
“The Texas Railroad Commission was established to serve the people of Texas. The Commissioners must balance the need to maintain a strong and vibrant energy industry with the need to protect Texas consumers and our environment,” Weems continued. “At present, there is no balance. The people of Texas realize this truth, which is why I have received support from all quarters – industry, landowners, consumers and environmentalists.”
Weems, named a Texas Super Lawyer in Energy by Texas Monthly in 2007, is a member of First Congregational Church of Houston, where he and his wife, Dinah, reside. They have 5 children.
