RRC Launches New Flare/Vent Exceptions (Statewide Rule 32) Query

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has launched a new Online Research Query that allows the energy industry and public to search Applications for Exception to Statewide Rule 32 (Form R-32) filed electronically with the agency from May 2, 2021, to present day. The query represents thousands of records that can be searched, viewed, and printed.

As part of the RRC’s efforts to reduce flaring of natural gas in Texas, in May 2021 the RRC launched the online Form R-32. The Form R-32 requires operators to more thoroughly document the circumstances surrounding the need to flare gas, providing the RRC accurate information to assess compliance with the flare/vent authority, and encouraging transparency in understanding the broader needs and reasons for flaring and/or venting during oil and gas production operations in Texas.

The RRC’s rule for flaring and venting exceptions is 16 Texas Administrative Code §3.32, also known as Statewide Rule 32. To view the rule, visit the Texas Secretary of State website at https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=16&pt=1&ch=3&rl=32. 

The Flare/Vent Exceptions (Statewide Rule 32) Query is available via the Online Research Queries on the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/resource-center/research/research-queries/ under “Oil and Gas”. The query is updated nightly.

To view a video about this new online research query, visit the RRC’s YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/oNrykr5T77o.

To request information about an approved Form R-32 prior to May 2, 2021, contact the RRC at Open.Records@rrc.texas.gov.

If you have questions about the query, contact the RRC at EngUnit@rrc.texas.gov.