Recent Announcement
RRC Accepting Comments on Revisions to Form P-18, Skim Oil/Condensate Report
May 02, 2023Read More Announcements
Railroad Commission of Texas
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans.
RRC EVENTS
Register Using CERTS, the Event Registration System
Individuals registering for RRC alternative fuel training, continuing education and exam events will now register using the Certification Exam Registration & Training System or CERTS. The online system allows individuals working in alternative fuels industries to register and pay for a class and/or exam in a single transaction..
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Who Regulates Railroads in Texas?
The Railroad Commission of Texas no longer has any jurisdiction or authority over railroads in Texas, a duty which was transferred to other agencies, with the last of the rail functions transferred to the Texas Department of Transportation in 2005 ...
Recent News
Coalition of Oil and Gas States Adopts Texas Resolution Regarding Federal Orphan Well Grant Funding
Taxpayer Funds should be utilized to plug as many orphan wells as possibleThis week, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) approved Resolution 23.053 offered by Texas Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright urging the U.S. Department of the Interior to follow the statutory language passed by Congress with respect to the Federal Orphan Well Plugging Program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The IOGCC is comprised of more than 30 oil and gas producing states. The IOGCC resolution further endorses action by Congress to ensure states are provided the necessary flexibility and deference to utilize grant funds in accordance with existing state programs for the purpose of plugging and restoring as many orphan wells and well sites as possible.
“Taxpayer dollars – regardless of their origin – should always be used efficiently and effectively to achieve the desired result. Unfortunately, the Department of the Interior’s draft formula grant guidance fails to adhere to the intent of Congress and would result in fewer wells being plugged than otherwise could be,” said RRC Commissioner Wright. “This resolution, unanimously approved by member states across the political spectrum, reinforces the shared desire for taxpayer funds to be utilized to plug as many orphan wells as possible and asks that the Congressional delegations of IOGCC member states take action to achieve our shared goal of plugging orphan wells.”
Earlier this year, the RRC submitted comments on the draft formula grant guidance issued by the Department of the Interior. The RRC maintains the draft guidance place unnecessary administrative burdens that go beyond the scope of the legislation that authorized the well plugging funds. There’s also concern about a proposed phased approach to releasing formula funds, versus releasing the total amount at once.
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