All News

RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $738,000 in Penalties

October 22, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $738,082 in fines involving 187 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Oct. 20. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety. Read More...

Despite Pandemic, Railroad Commission of Texas Outperforms Legislative Targets for Safety, Environmental Inspections

October 08, 2020

AUSTIN – Various restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic did not stop Railroad Commission staff from continuing their tireless work of protecting public safety and the environment Read More...

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for September 2020

October 07, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 437 original drilling permits in September 2020 compared to 796 in September 2019. The September 2020 total includes 371 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, two to re-enter plugged well bores, and 41 for re-completions of existing well bores.

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for July 2020

September 28, 2020

AUSTIN – Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for July 2020 came from 169,713 oil wells and 84,052 gas wells.

The RRC reports that from August 2019 to July 2020, total Texas reported production was 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 10.5 trillion cubic feet of total gas. Crude oil production reported by the RRC is limited to oil produced from oil leases and does not include condensate, which is reported separately by the RRC.

RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $842,000 in Penalties

September 24, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $842,343 in fines involving 159 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Sept. 22. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Railroad Commission’s Abandoned Oil and Gas Well Plugging Program Exceeds Goals Set by Texas Legislature

September 23, 2020

AUSTIN – For the fourth straight year the Railroad Commission of Texas’ has exceeded its performance target of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells throughout the state. Read More...

Christi Craddick Elected Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission

September 22, 2020

AUSTIN – Commissioner Christi Craddick was unanimously elected Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas during today’s Commission conference.  Following her election, Chairman Craddick gave remarks on her agenda for the agency. Read More...

Railroad Commission Adds Multiple Features to CASES Portal

September 17, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission continues to enhance its online services, this time by adding more information and enhanced features in its CASES online portal.

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for August 2020

September 09, 2020

AUSTIN –– The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 451 original drilling permits in August 2020 compared to 960 in August 2019. The August 2020 total includes 377 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, seven to re-enter plugged well bores, and 51 for re-completions of existing well bores.

RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $400,000 in Penalties

September 03, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $401,391 in fines involving 152 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on September 1. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for June 2020

August 28, 2020

AUSTIN – Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for June 2020 came from 173,549 oil wells and 86,037 gas wells. Read More...

Railroad Commission Prepared for Hurricane Laura Response

August 27, 2020

AUSTIN– The Railroad Commission is monitoring the impact of Hurricane Laura in Texas and is ready to respond to any emergencies caused by the hurricane.  

Railroad Commission Responding to Corpus Christi Pipeline Fire

August 21, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission, along with other state, federal, and local agencies, is responding to a pipeline fire today in the Port of Corpus Christi. Read More...

Railroad Commission Continues Working to Improve Regulation of Oil and Gas Industry

August 12, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission has an enormous responsibility shepherding Texas’ oil and gas industry, which is critical to our daily lives and economy. Read More...

Before Digging Under Your Property: Call 811

August 11, 2020

AUSTIN – Unintentionally tearing into things buried underground is a big deal, one that can affect your home and your neighborhood. Read More...

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for July 2020

August 07, 2020

AUSTIN –– The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 351 original drilling permits in July 2020 compared to 912 in July 2019. The July 2020 total includes 286 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, six to re-enter plugged well bores and 40 for re-completions of existing well bores.

RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $1 million in Penalties

August 06, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,157,423 in fines involving 389 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on August 4. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

RRC Commissioners Take Major Step to Help Address Oil and Gas Flaring

August 04, 2020

AUSTIN– Railroad Commission of Texas commissioners today voted to approve draft changes to the Application for Exception to Statewide Rule 32. The changes play a large role in ongoing efforts at the Commission to reduce the amount of flaring in the oil and gas industry in the state. Read More...

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for May 2020

July 31, 2020

AUSTIN –– Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for May 2020 came from 170,718 oil wells and 86,469 gas wells.

The RRC reports that from June 2019 to May 2020, total Texas reported production was 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 10.4 trillion cubic feet of total gas. Crude oil production reported by the RRC is limited to oil produced from oil leases and does not include condensate, which is reported separately by the RRC.

EPA Report Recognizes Railroad Commission’s Underground Injection Control Program in Mitigating Environmental Risks

July 29, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission continues to make positive strides with its Underground Injection Control program, ensuring the protection of underground sources of drinking water and the control of seismic activity, according to a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency.

RRC Continues Extensive Inspections of Major New Pipeline Project

July 23, 2020

AUSTIN – Inspectors with the Railroad Commission of Texas are continuing critical inspections of the Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP), one of the largest pipeline projects under construction in Texas in 2020.  Stretching more than 400 miles from the Permian Basin to the Houston area, the pipeline will bring West Texas’ natural gas to the world market.   

Christian Passes National Resolution Condemning Oil Dumping

July 21, 2020

AUSTIN — The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) this week passed Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian’s (R – Texas) resolution urging the federal government to investigate  excessive dumping of crude oil by Saudi Arabia and Russia and take appropriate action.

Railroad Commission Launches Interactive Data Visualization on Site Remediation and Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation

July 15, 2020

AUSTIN — In an effort to make the enormous amount of data that the Railroad Commission keeps more accessible and transparent for the public, the agency has released another round of data visualization on its website. Read More...

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for June 2020

July 06, 2020

AUSTIN –– The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 312 original drilling permits in June 2020 compared to 1,001 in June 2019. The June 2020 total includes 262 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, three to re-enter plugged well bores and 21 for re-completions of existing well bores.

Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan finalized

June 30, 2020

AUSTIN –– The Railroad Commission of Texas has released its latest strategic priorities in regulating the state’s oil and gas industry.

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for April 2020

June 26, 2020

AUSTIN – Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for April 2020 came from 172,505 oil wells and 87,853 gas wells.

The RRC reports that from May 2019 to April 2020, total Texas reported production was 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 10.4 trillion cubic feet of total gas. Crude oil production reported by the RRC is limited to oil produced from oil leases and does not include condensate, which is reported separately by the RRC.

RRC Commissioners Assess $805,000 in Penalties

June 19, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $805,543 in fines involving 221 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on June 16. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Blue Ribbon Taskforce Unveils Plan to Curtail Flaring

June 16, 2020

Today, the Railroad Commission of Texas heard from the state’s oil and gas trade associations, environmental advocacy groups, and several oil and gas producers about the issue of flaring and how Texas can implement meaningful reforms to reduce flaring before oil and gas activity returns to previous highs. 

Read More...

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for May 2020

June 04, 2020

AUSTIN –– The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 251 original drilling permits in May 2020 compared to 1,050 in May 2019. The May 2020 total includes 208 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, one to re-enter plugged well bores and 27 for re-completions of existing well bores.

Commissioner Craddick Welcomes New Staff Member

June 03, 2020

Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick is pleased to announce that Mia Hutchens has joined the team as the new Director of Public Affairs. Read More...

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for March 2020

May 22, 2020

AUSTIN –– Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for March 2020 came from 171,775 oil wells and 88,293 gas wells.

The RRC reports that from April 2019 to March 2020, total Texas reported production was 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 10.1 trillion cubic feet of total gas. Crude oil production reported by the RRC is limited to oil produced from oil leases and does not include condensate, which is reported separately by the RRC.

RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $400,000 in Penalties

May 21, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $413,046 in fines involving 311 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on May 20. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Railroad Commission Further Enhances Its Efficiency

May 19, 2020

AUSTIN – During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Railroad Commission of Texas has made yet another form, Form H-15, available for online filing. This is the second online form the Commission has released in two months; Form W-3, Plugging Record was launched in April.

Oil and gas operators can now go online to easily file Form H-15, Test on an Inactive Well More than 25 Years Old. This test is vital to protecting ground water quality in Texas. On average more than a thousand of these forms are mailed to the agency each month. The new online filing option for Form H-15 saves time for staff and industry.

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for April 2020

May 12, 2020

AUSTIN ––The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 456 original drilling permits in April 2020 compared to 909 in April 2019. The April 2020 total includes 416 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, two to re-enter plugged well bores and 27 for re-completions of existing well bores.

Railroad Commission Launches Drone Program to Enhance Emergency Response

May 11, 2020

AUSTIN –– Taking advantage of 21^st century technology, the Railroad Commission of Texas launched a statewide drone inspection team last month. Drones will help inspectors to quickly respond and inspect sites that are unsafe or inaccessible during emergencies such as fires, flooding and other natural disasters. Drones can also assist in situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, where they provide an alternative to in-person inspections. Read More...

RRC Commissioners Assess $800,000 in Penalties

May 07, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $801,781 in fines involving 146 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on May 5. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Christian Votes No on Proration, Provides Regulatory Relief to Industry

May 05, 2020

AUSTIN – Today, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) hosted a virtual open meeting where the commissioners discussed common carrier pipeline and refinery storage capacity, the report produced by the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Oil Economic Recovery, and proration.

ICYMI - CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN ANNOUNCES HIS POSITION ON PRORATION IN HOUSTON CHRONICLE OP-ED

April 29, 2020

AUSTIN – Today, Chairman Wayne Christian published an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle detailing his thoughts on whether or not the Railroad Commission should “prorate” or limit the production of crude oil in Texas.

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for February 2020

April 29, 2020

AUSTIN – Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for February 2020 came from 170,960 oil wells and 86,698 gas wells.

The RRC reports that from March 2019 to February 2020, total Texas reported production was 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 8.4 trillion cubic feet of total gas. Crude oil production reported by the RRC is limited to oil produced from oil leases and does not include condensate, which is reported separately by the RRC.

RRC Commissioners Assess $1.1 Million in Penalties

April 24, 2020

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,141,580 in fines involving 212 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference this week. Read More...

RRC Oil and Gas Inspections Exceed Expectations for Fiscal Year 2020

April 23, 2020

AUSTIN – Oil and gas inspectors at the Railroad Commission of Texas have already surpassed annual inspection targets, even with more than four months remaining in the fiscal year.

Christian Joins CNBC’s The Exchange: “Texas will rise to the occasion”

April 22, 2020

AUSTIN – Today, Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian joined Kelly Evans on CNBC’s The Exchange to discuss the continued conversation on proration and his call for the industry to establish a Blue Ribbon Task Force for oil economic recovery. Read More...

CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN DISCUSSES PRORATION & ESTABLISHMENT OF TASK FORCE

April 21, 2020

AUSTIN – Today, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) continued discussion on the issue of proration, ongoing relief initiatives of the agency, and the formation of a Blue Ribbon Task Force for oil economic recovery. Read More...

Christian Joins CNBC’s The Exchange to Discuss Proration & Crude Oil Market Stability

April 16, 2020

AUSTIN – Yesterday, Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian joined Kelly Evans on CNBC’s The Exchange to discuss the agency’s virtual meeting on proration and his thoughts on various efforts to stabilize the worldwide market for crude oil. Read More...

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for March 2020

April 15, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 744 original drilling permits in March 2020 compared to 1,137 in March 2019. The March 2020 total includes 671 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, six to re-enter plugged well bores and 56 for re-completions of existing well bores.

Commissioner Ryan Sitton Statement

April 13, 2020

The following statement was issued by Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton in response to the international agreement formalized yesterday to reduce global oil supply and in advance of the Commission’s proration hearing tomorrow.

RRC Follows Up on Recommendation to Temporarily Halt Gas Disconnections

April 08, 2020

A few weeks ago the Railroad Commission of Texas recommended that gas utilities temporarily suspend disconnecting residents facing financial constraints during the current COVID-19 State of Disaster.

Gas utilities have taken that very important step of voluntarily suspending disconnections, and today the RRC made another announcement in the process.

Commissioner Craddick asks Comptroller Hegar to Issue Delay on Severance Tax Collections

April 06, 2020

Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick sent a letter to Comptroller Glenn Hegar requesting he extend the monthly deadline to file crude oil and natural gas production taxes, as he has done with the state’s franchise tax deadline.

Chairman Christian Applauds President Trump on Energy Negotiations

April 02, 2020

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian (R) applauded President Donald Trump on his international negotiations to stabilize crude oil prices.

RRC Increases Transparency in Hearings Process: New Online Portal Will Benefit the Public and Energy Industry

April 02, 2020

Today the Railroad Commission of Texas launched the Case Administration Service Electronic System (RRC CASES) public portal, reaching another milestone in increasing transparency of the agency’s functions.

For the first time, operators can file hearing cases online and the public can go online and access documents in the RRC’s hearings process. Users can search hearings dockets using a variety of criteria including case number, operator name, or RRC district.

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for January 2020

April 01, 2020

Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for January 2020 came from 173,067 oil wells and 86,957 gas wells.

The RRC reports that from February 2019 to January 2020, total Texas reported production was 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 9.9 trillion cubic feet of total gas. Crude oil production reported by the RRC is limited to oil produced from oil leases and does not include condensate, which is reported separately by the RRC.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton Discusses COVID-19 Energy Demand Model Showing Global Market Oversupplied by at Least 16 Million BPD

March 31, 2020

Energy demand is dropping through the floor due to COVID-19 and the breakdown of the Saudi/Russia oil production alliance is flooding the global oil market with supply. These two factors have led to the oil market being oversupplied by at least 16 million BPD (likely higher).

It’s an Important Time to Know Before You Dig

March 27, 2020

With many areas of Texas under local stay-at-home orders because of COVID-19 concerns, homeowners may have extra time on their hands to get their back yards ready for the summer or for other landscaping projects. 

But residents shouldn’t forget an important safety reminder before digging. They need to call 811 if digging deeper than 16 inches, in order to know where underground pipelines and utility lines are located.

Railroad Commission Adds More Online Mapping Data for Public Viewing

March 27, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas continues to enhance transparency by adding more data to its Public Geographic Information System (GIS) Map Viewer. The public can now view information on Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) and Brownfield Response Program (BRP) sites around Texas – two programs designed to incentivize the remediation and redevelopment of abandoned oil and gas sites.

RRC Launches Successful Pilot Webinar for Alternative Fuels Safety Training

March 26, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas has now made it more efficient for individuals in the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry to get vital safety training.

RRC Chairman Wayne Christian Comments on Oil Markets, Proration, and Filling SPR

March 20, 2020

As Saudi Arabia and Russia flood the international energy market with a glut of crude oil, prices have dropped to unsustainable levels that threaten the future of the Texas oil and gas industry, its associated benefits to the state economy, and American energy dominance. Read More...

RRC Commissioners Assess Nearly $800,000 in Penalties

March 09, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $781,554 in fines involving 237 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for December 2019

March 03, 2020

Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for December 2019 came from 174,016 oil wells and 87,595 gas wells.

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for January 2020

February 25, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 1,133 original drilling permits in January 2020 compared 1,199 in January 2019. The January 2020 total included 1,041 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, eight to re-enter plugged well bores and 84 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is 310 oil, 61 gas, 751 oil or gas, 33 injection, zero service and one other permit.

RRC Sends Good News to City of Gorman

February 20, 2020

The Texas Railroad Commission has notified Gorman city leaders they can move forward with any potential plans to revitalize a once-popular lake.

Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton Releases First Report on Natural Gas Flaring in Texas

February 18, 2020

Today Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton will publicly release his first report on flaring in the state of Texas. Read More...

Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for November 2019

February 14, 2020

Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for November 2019 came from 173,528 oil wells and 88,349 gas wells.

Railroad Commissioners Act to Help Boost Energy Production in Texas

February 14, 2020

Texas Railroad Commissioners this week adopted a key rule amendment to adapt oil and gas regulations to an evolving energy exploration landscape in the state.   Read More...

RRC Commissioners Assess Nearly $1 Million in Penalties

February 13, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $928,816 in fines involving 327 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

RAILROAD COMMISSION CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN DISCUSSES FLARING IN TEXAS

February 10, 2020

Flaring is a process used primarily in the production of crude oil in which excess natural gas produced with the oil is burned off at the well head. An operator who wants to flare gas must receive authorization from the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Railroad Commission Adopts New Pipeline Safety Rules - Prohibits Installation of cast iron pipes; Adds New Requirements for Incident/Accident Reporting

February 06, 2020

New pipeline safety rules adopted by the Railroad Commission of Texas prohibit natural gas distribution pipeline operators from installing underground cast iron, wrought iron or bare steel pipelines. Other new pipeline safety requirements require operators to more thoroughly assess the potential public safety risk of gathering lines.  The amendments are effective Read More...

Railroad Commission Announces New Surface Mining & Communications Division Directors

February 03, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas announces new directors for the agency’s Surface Mining and Reclamation Division and the Communications Division. Read More...

Christian Gives Keynote Address at World Oil Forecast Breakfast

January 31, 2020

Today, Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian gave the keynote address at the 94^th Annual World Oil Forecast Breakfast. Read More...

Railroad Commission Launches Two More Interactive Statewide Data Maps - Provides Drilling Permit and Spud Data

January 27, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas this week launches two more interactive data maps showing oil and gas drilling permit approvals and the number of wells spudded, which is when operators begin drilling a well. Information is displayed by counts, operators, county locations and on a statewide level. The data is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week beginning with Calendar Year Read More...

RRC Opens New Lubbock Oil & Gas Field Office

January 22, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas is opening a new oil and gas field office in Lubbock to serve energy activity in the northern section of the Permian Basin -- the nation’s top oil and gas producing region.

RRC Commissioners Assess Nearly $900,000 in Penalties

January 16, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $899,005 in fines involving 222 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...

RRC Staff Processing Standard Drilling Permits in Two Days - Drilling Permit Processing Record Set for Second Year in a Row

January 13, 2020

For two years in a row since 2018, Railroad Commission of Texas staff have set a historic record of taking just two days on average to process standard drilling permits, one day below the Legislative requirement. This efficiency helps foster the growth of energy production statewide. Standard drilling permits are permits that do not require exceptions to Commission rules such spacing or density Read More...

Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for December 2019

January 09, 2020

The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 803 original drilling permits in December 2019 compared to 811 in December 2018. The December 2019 total included 743 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 8 to re-enter plugged well bores and 52 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is 162 oil, 37 gas, Read More...