News

The Railroad Commission of Texas has hired two seasoned veterans who will help the agency navigate legislative affairs and oversee day-to-day engagement and outreach with the public and the media.

Matt Cope has joined the agency as Director of Government Relations. Cope previously worked for the University of Texas at Tyler as the Associate Vice President for Government Relations. His prior experience also includes work as a policy advisor in the Texas Senate and the Governor’s Office, and as a legislative aide in the Texas House of Representatives. He also spent some time as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service.

“I’m excited to start working for the oldest and most respected regulatory agency in Texas, and to collaborate with the Legislature and other governmental entities to achieve our mission,” said Matt Cope, RRC Government Relations Director. “As we approach an important legislative session, I look forward to assisting in the agency’s work to protect the state’s environment and communities while promoting the responsible production of energy.”

Christian Goff joined the RRC as the Director of Public Affairs, overseeing the agency’s communications and public engagement activities. Goff is a communications and public affairs professional specializing in stakeholder relations, issue advocacy and reputation management. She has extensive experience and deep-rooted knowledge of the energy and natural resource industries.

Prior to joining the RRC, Goff founded and ran a communications firm.  Her prior experience also includes serving as vice president of corporate affairs at an international public relations firm as well as a public affairs specialist for Marathon Oil Corporation in Houston.

“I am thrilled to serve in my new role at the Railroad Commission of Texas,” said Christian Goff, RRC Director of Public Affairs. “The RRC is one of the state’s most vital organizations, helping to manage our natural resources, while protecting both the public and the environment. I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders and educating Texans on the important work of the Commission and the industries it regulates.”

Matt Cope, RRC Director of Government Relations

Christian Goff, RRC Director of Public Affairs

The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 613 original drilling permits in November 2024. The total includes 565 to drill new oil or gas wells, 9 to re-enter plugged wellbores, 1 field transfers, 31 for re-completions, and 7 reclass of existing wellbores.

The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in November 2024 is: 143 oil, 46 gas, 401 oil and gas, 12 injection, 3 service and 8 other permits.

In November 2024, Commission staff processed 837 oil, 155 gas, and 1,044 injection completions for new drills, re-entries and re-completions.

Detailed data on drilling permits and well completions for the month can be found at this link:

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/drilling-information/monthly-drilling-completion-and-plugging-summaries/

TABLE 1 – November 2024 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

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After nearly a year of extensive analysis, the Texas Hydrogen Production Policy Council (Council) has delivered a report to the Texas Legislature outlining actionable steps to bolster Texas’ leadership in the hydrogen industry.  

The 11-member Council, established by the Legislature and chaired by RRC Chairman Christi Craddick, was tasked with making recommendations to lawmakers on updates necessary for the oversight and regulation of production, pipeline transportation, and storage of hydrogen.

The hydrogen industry is already well-established in Texas, primarily serving the petrochemical and refining industries. For over 50 years, hydrogen has been produced in dozens of facilities throughout the state. Pure hydrogen pipelines, extending over 1,000 miles, have been operating safely in Texas, supporting the industry’s robust infrastructure.

Texas’ existing hydrogen infrastructure and comprehensive regulatory framework for safety and environmental compliance have contributed to the state’s current standing as a global leader in conventional hydrogen production.

While the report recommends that Texas leverage its existing regulatory structure to lead the charge on hydrogen policy, it also specifies areas where there is room for enhancement or a need for new frameworks. Examples include leak detection requirements specifically for hydrogen, and additional rules to address hydrogen infrastructure, such as pipeline and casing materials, separately from infrastructure used for other products.

The report also highlights the potential economic opportunities tied to hydrogen industry growth for Texas. Expanding hydrogen production could enhance manufacturing and electricity generation while supporting increased production of a low-cost, reliable hydrogen energy supply. This expansion would not only support job growth, but would also underpin infrastructure development and direct investment, leading to an increase in the state's Gross Domestic Product.

The Council is planned to continue until January 1, 2030, and the recommendations in the report are expected to be reviewed and modified as technologies, markets, and hydrogen regulations evolve.

A copy of the Council’s report can be found at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/4knabnt2/texas-hydrogen-production-policy-council-report-1224.pdf

The members of the Texas Hydrogen Production Policy Council are as follows:

RRC Chairman Christi Craddick; Richard Fenza (Air Liquide); Preston Kurtz (Air Products & Chemicals); Nigel Jenvey (Baker Hughes); Keith Wall (CenterPoint Energy); Ian Lindsay (Chevron New Energies); Angie Murray (Enterprise Products); Brian Weeks (GTI Energy); Jeffrey Pollack (Port of Corpus Christi Authority); Brian Korgel (University of Texas at Austin); Kelsie Van Hoose (Williams Companies).

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Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for September 2024 reported in the tables below came from 158,437 oil wells and 84,110 gas wells.

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. For full oil and gas production statistics, you can visit the links below.

Statewide totals: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/

County rankings: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production-by-county-ranking/

TABLE 1 - September 2024 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

* These are preliminary figures based on production volumes reported by operators and will be updated as late and corrected production reports are received.

TABLE 2 - September 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

TABLE 3 – September 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 4 – September 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 5 – September 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

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The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,899, 288 in fines involving 452 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Tuesday.  The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Master default orders for operators that failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings can be found on the RRC Hearings Division web page.

Master Agreed Orders in which operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules can be found on the RRC General Council web page.  

Below is a table outlining the fines assessed.

In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

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The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 646 original drilling permits in October 2024. The total includes 589 to drill new oil or gas wells, 5 to re-enter plugged wellbores, 1 field transfers, 48 for re-completions, and 2 reclass of existing wellbores.

The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in October 2024 is: 139 oil, 34 gas, 415 oil and gas, 38 injection, 3 service and 16 other permits.

In October 2024, Commission staff processed 1,109 oil, 193 gas, and 873 injection completions for new drills, re-entries and re-completions.

Detailed data on drilling permits and well completions for the month can be found at this link:

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/drilling-information/monthly-drilling-completion-and-plugging-summaries/

TABLE 1 – October 2024 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

# # #

Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for August 2024 reported in the tables below came from 158,025 oil wells and 83,885 gas wells.

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. For full oil and gas production statistics, you can visit the links below.

Statewide totals: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/

County rankings: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production-by-county-ranking/

TABLE 1 - August 2024 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

* These are preliminary figures based on production volumes reported by operators and will be updated as late and corrected production reports are received. 

TABLE 2 - August 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

TABLE 3 – August 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 4 – August 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 5 – August 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

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AUSTIN – With more than 15 million records digitized in the past year, the Railroad Commission of Texas now has 83.4 million oil and gas records that can be searched and viewed online from anywhere in the world.

The enormous amount of work is part of the RRC’s ongoing success increasing transparency and making the vast trove of information held at the agency easily available to the public. 

As the oldest regulatory agency in Texas, the RRC has oil and gas records dating back to the 1930’s on paper in district offices and on microfilm. The agency has been digitizing those records and placing the images online for several years, allowing anyone with internet access to view them.

Documents that have been digitized include oil and gas production records and well completion records that contain information such as well depths and producing fields of a well. These records are used often by researchers, landowners, royalty owners, energy companies and public information requesters.

RRC District Office paper records transported for digitization

“Putting millions and millions of oil and gas records online is a win-win for the public and the agency,” said Danny Sorrells, RRC Deputy Executive Director. “Not only does it give the public easy access to historical information dating back almost 100 years, but our staff can now devote the time they would have spent tracking those records for the public for other tasks at the agency.”

District office paper records and microfilm records that have been digitized can be found on this RRC webpage:

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/resource-center/research/research-queries/imaged-records/imaged-records-menu/

The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,107,072 in fines involving 269 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Tuesday.  The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Master default orders for operators that failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings can be found on the RRC Hearings Division web page.

Master Agreed Orders in which operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules can be found on the RRC General Council web page.  

Below is a table outlining the fines assessed.

In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

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The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 626 original drilling permits in September 2024. The total includes 580 to drill new oil or gas wells, 6 to re-enter plugged wellbores, 9 field transfers, 27 for re-completions, and 4 reclass of existing wellbores.

The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in September 2024 is: 116 oil, 29 gas, 445 oil and gas, 29 injection, 1 service and 6 other permits.

In September 2024, Commission staff processed 942 oil, 224 gas, and 422 injection completions for new drills, re-entries and re-completions.

Detailed data on drilling permits and well completions for the month can be found at this link:

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/drilling-information/monthly-drilling-completion-and-plugging-summaries/

TABLE 1 – September2024 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT

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The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) continued its strong track record of surpassing high standards set by the Texas Legislature to help protect public safety and the environment.

The Legislature sets annual performance measures for state agencies, and in Fiscal Year 2024 the RRC extended its string of success meeting or exceeding those measures in regulating the oil and gas industry, intrastate pipelines, surface mining, and alternative fuels.

The annual goals the agency exceeded ranged from the number of orphaned wells plugged with state funds to the number of individuals certified who store and transport propane gas across Texas.

“The performance numbers are a reflection of our staff’s dedication to serve Texas,” said Danny Sorrells, RRC Deputy Executive Director. “We help ensure safe production and transportation of the abundant resources that Texas is blessed with, which not only helps meet the energy demand of our growing state, but national and international demand as well. The agency is also looking forward to the future as we work on implementing regulations for new energy resources authorized by the Legislature.”

Legislative goals the RRC exceeded in Fiscal Year 2024 include:

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For more than three decades, National Energy Awareness Month has been celebrated in October to highlight the importance of the nation’s energy resources and the need for the sustainable management of those resources.

Since the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels have made our modern world possible by producing nearly 80 percent of global energy. Produced hydrocarbons play a crucial role in our lives, from providing fuels for transportation, electricity and heating to manufacturing everyday consumer materials like plastics, medicine, medical devices, fabrics, fertilizers and other byproducts of oil refining, such as asphalt for roads.

As the regulator of the largest oil and gas producing state in the nation, the Railroad Commission plays a vital role in the stewardship of natural resources and in ensuring public safety, while supporting the state’s long-term economic vitality in the energy landscape. Examples of that RRC mission are many.

Take gas flaring in the state as one example. Despite a record year for oil and gas production in 2023, Texas saw a significant reduction in its flaring rate at facilities. The Commission has taken concrete steps to reduce flaring by tightening procedures to flare gas, providing incentives for using flaring reduction technologies, and requiring operators to provide specific justification for their need to flare. The numbers bear witness to those steps. Since June 2019, the flaring rate in Texas, which is the percentage of the amount of gas flared compared to the amount of gas produced, has dropped by 63 percent. According to data from July 2024, the flaring rate was under one percent, meaning that more than 99 percent of gas produced in the state was being beneficially used!

Another energy-related issue the RRC has recently tackled head on is that of seismic activity possibly caused by underground injection of produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas production, into disposal wells. While this disposal process is vital to production, the RRC has leveraged modern technology to mitigate seismic risks. The agency now employs automation and machine learning to help staff with seismic reviews in the permitting process for disposal wells. A machine learning algorithm helps manage the large volume of information that needs to be processed, which allows technical analysts to perform their jobs more efficiently.

These are a few examples of how the RRC, which has regulated the oil and gas industry for more than a century, seeks innovative ways to protect Texas.

“Texas is the national leader in energy production,” said Chairman Christi Craddick. “Energy Awareness Month is a great opportunity to highlight the positive impact this industry has on Texas, the U.S., and the world. I’m proud to lead the regulatory agency that provides responsible and reasonable regulation to the oil and gas industry and look forward to Texas continuing to lead in this critical field.”

“Most Texans don’t realize the immense value of our state’s oil and gas production which powers more than just the state, it fuels the nation and world,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “According to the Texas Oil and Gas Association, if Texas were its own nation, the Lone Star State would be the third largest producer of natural gas and the fourth largest producer of oil. If America wants low power costs, energy independence and geopolitical stability, it will need federal policies that encourage a robust oil and gas sector and enable exports of that reliable energy to the rest of the world. So long as the need for reliable energy continues to grow with the developing world, ‘Texas Tea’ will always be there to quench that thirst.” 

“Texas natural resources not only power the diverse economy of our state, they also provide the fuel necessary to maintain U.S. energy independence and support the growing energy needs of our friends and allies across the globe,” said Commissioner Jim Wright. “Access to affordable, abundant energy resources like those produced here in Texas is a blessing which, too often, is taken for granted. That is why it is important that all Americans recognize the valuable contributions hydrocarbons play in our everyday lives and the important work being done by the Railroad Commission to keep Texas energy on track.”

Energy Awareness Month also highlights how consumers can help take steps to sustain natural resources. For more information and resources about how you can increase your energy awareness, visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/energy-awareness-month/.

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Texas has been at the forefront of energy regulation and innovation for more than a century, and the RRC has new proposed rules for public comment to administer legislation in the geothermal energy front in Texas.

Senate Bill 786 transfers regulatory authority of closed-loop geothermal injection wells from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Railroad Commission, allowing the RRC jurisdiction and permitting authority for these types of wells.

The new rules specifically address shallow closed-loop geothermal systems, including the associated injection wells, which are used to heat or cool buildings without conversion to electricity.

The RRC is the primary agency that has oversight of injection wells, and transferring regulatory authority for shallow closed-loop geothermal injection wells to the Commission will streamline the process for operators who want to drill and operate geothermal injection wells of this type. The proposed rules require engineering and infrastructure safety measures to ensure protection of groundwater.

The proposed new rules and comment forms are available online at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/general-counsel/rules/proposed-rules/ under Chapter 6. Geothermal Resources. The deadline for comments is November 12, 2024.

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Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for July 2024 reported in the tables below came from 158,063 oil wells and 83,833 gas wells.

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. For full oil and gas production statistics, you can visit the links below.

Statewide totals: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/

County rankings: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production-by-county-ranking/

TABLE 1 - July 2024 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

* These are preliminary figures based on production volumes reported by operators and will be updated as late and corrected production reports are received.

TABLE 2 - July 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

TABLE 3 – July 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 4 – July 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 5 – July 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

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The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $2,308,419.00 in fines involving 656 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Tuesday.  The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Master default orders for operators that failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings can be found on the RRC Hearings Division web page.

Master Agreed Orders in which operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules can be found on the RRC General Council web page.  

Below is a table outlining the fines assessed.

In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

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RRC inspectors are on site at the Incident Command of Monday’s pipeline fire in the La Porte/Deer Park area.  Energy Transfer continues to blow down the remaining gas in the pipeline section which could last into this afternoon.

Once emergency officials have deemed the scene to be safe, RRC inspectors will enter the site and begin their investigation; this would be in addition to any investigations by emergency authorities.

Railroad Commission of Texas pipeline safety inspectors are investigating the fire that occurred at an Energy Transfer natural gas liquid pipeline in La Porte Monday morning. Energy Transfer has shut down the portion of the pipeline that caught fire. RRC inspectors will work with state and local emergency responders at the scene.

The fire occurred in a pipeline corridor, and the RRC is notifying other pipeline operators in the corridor of the incident and getting information on measures they are taking to ensure safety of their systems.

Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for June 2024 reported in the tables below came from 160,220 oil wells and 84,738 gas wells.

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. For full oil and gas production statistics, you can visit the links below.

Statewide totals: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/

County rankings: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production-by-county-ranking/

TABLE 1 - June 2024 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

* These are preliminary figures based on production volumes reported by operators and will be updated as late and corrected production reports are received.

TABLE 2 - June 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

TABLE 3 – June 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 4 – June 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 5 – June 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

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The final numbers have been tallied, and the Railroad Commission plugged 1,012 orphan wells in Fiscal Year 2024 using state funds. This exceeded the fiscal year’s goal of plugging 1,000 wells with state funds, making it the eighth year in a row in which the RRC has surpassed its legislative target!

State funds that are used by the RRC to plug wells are from oil and gas industry revenue, including, but not limited to, well plugging reimbursements, fees and bonds or other financial securities paid by the industry.

“We continue to be a national leader in addressing orphaned wells,” said Danny Sorrells, RRC Deputy Executive Director. “Our extensive well plugging experience dates to 1984, and elements of our program, such as a prioritization system that ensures high-risk, high-priority wells are plugged, have been copied by other states. The design of RRC’s plugging program and our dedicated staff help us quickly work to protect groundwater around the state.”

Watch this video from the field to see more on how the RRC’s decades of well plugging experience helps protect Texas communities and the environment https://youtu.be/QrT0ox-Wtvk.

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The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 814 original drilling permits in August 2024. The total includes 768 to drill new oil or gas wells, 8 to re-enter plugged wellbores, 2 field transfers and 36 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in August 2024 is: 138 oil, 54 gas, 600 oil and gas, 9 injection, 3 service and 10 other permits.

In August 2024, Commission staff processed 722 oil, 175 gas, and 388 injection completions for new drills, re-entries and re-completions.

Detailed data on drilling permits and well completions for the month can be found at this link:

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/drilling-information/monthly-drilling-completion-and-plugging-summaries/

TABLE 1 – August 2024 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

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The Railroad Commission of Texas continues to take public input on proposed rules to revamp the agency’s critical rules regulating waste management facilities in Texas.

This is the first overhaul of RRC’s waste management rules in four decades. The proposed rules factor safety and groundwater protection as well as technological advancements in the energy industry’s resource development in Texas.

The public comment period on the proposed rules opened on August 16 and will continue through September 30. This week the RRC will also hold two hearings for public input on the proposed rules.  One hearing will be held in-person on Thursday in Austin, and the RRC will hold a virtual hearing on Friday. More information on both hearings, including how they can be viewed via webcast, can be found on the RRC website.

Persons who have requests for special communication or accommodation needs for the hearings can contact the RRC Rules Coordinator at rulescoordinator@rrc.texas.gov.

Information on the proposed waste management rule amendments can be viewed on the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/general-counsel/rules/proposed-rules/ under Chapters 3 and 4.

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AUSTIN - RRC Commissioners voted to publish for public comment proposed amendments that are critical to updating the agency’s rules regulating waste management facilities.

This is the first overhaul of RRC’s waste management rules in four decades. Groundwater protection is a major factor in the rule amendments, and they also take into consideration the need for historical rules to adapt to technological advancements in the energy industry’s resource development in Texas.

The amendments pertain to not only waste from oil and gas operations, such as rock and other material pulled up from the ground during drilling, but also encapsulate waste from other operations for which the Legislature has given the RRC jurisdiction. Examples include geothermal, carbon sequestration and brine mining wells.

The proposed rule updates requirements on the design, construction, operation, monitoring, and closure of waste management units, and help improve the Commission’s ability to track and collect data on oilfield waste transported throughout Texas.

Many of the amendments codify informal guidance that the RRC has developed over the course of several decades and would give operators and the public certainty on how regulations of waste management facilities are carried out.

The proposed rule also allows residents more time to protest waste management permit applications. Among the changes to the process is an extended time frame for a person to file a protest, from the current 15 days to 30 days.

The RRC’s forward-thinking approach to protecting the public and groundwater resources is not just limited to the amendments to the waste management rules. The Commission now has a team that is dedicated to environmental permit compliance. That team reviews waste management facility reports and inspections and follows-up on those reviews to quickly rectify any issues.

“This proposed rule reflects the hard work and dedication of agency staff and stakeholders on this critical rule,” said Chairman Christi Craddick. “I am grateful to Commissioner Wright for his leadership on this important matter and look forward to reviewing public input as we work toward final adoption of our solid waste rule amendments.”

“The Railroad Commission continues to prove that a robust, responsible oil and gas industry can thrive while also ensuring a safe and clean environment for all,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “Right next to oil and gas, water is becoming perhaps the most valuable natural resource in Texas. As an EPA commended agency for ground water protection, the Commission takes safeguarding water extremely seriously, and this rule update makes certain that industry is taking every precaution possible toward protecting the public. I’m proud of the hard work by our Commission staff and look forward to this rule continuing to bolster the RRC’s historic legacy as a world-class regulatory agency.”

“Today’s draft rule represents an important step forward with respect to the Railroad Commission’s expectations regarding waste management practices,” said Commissioner Jim Wright. “It has been 40 years since the Commission last made significant updates to this rule, and today’s proposal is an acknowledgment that considerable changes have occurred in terms of technology and industry practices now being utilized. I thank the Railroad Commission staff for their tireless work on behalf of our state and look forward to reviewing the public’s feedback on this important issue as we work towards final adoption.”   

The proposed rule and information on public comments can be found on the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/general-counsel/rules/proposed-rules/ under Chapters 3 and 4.

The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $2,173,382.40 in fines involving 715 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Thursday.  The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

Master default orders for operators that failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings can be found on the RRC Hearings Division web page.

Master Agreed Orders in which operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules can be found on the RRC General Council web page.  

Below is a table outlining the fines assessed.

In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.

The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 771 original drilling permits in July 2024. The total includes 685 to drill new oil or gas wells, 12 to re-enter plugged wellbores and 68 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in July 2024 is: 137 oil, 48 gas, 544 oil and gas, 28 injection, and 14 other permits.

In July 2024, Commission staff processed 805 oil, 222 gas, and 355 injection completions for new drills, re-entries and re-completions.

Detailed data on drilling permits and well completions for the month can be found at this link:

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/drilling-information/monthly-drilling-completion-and-plugging-summaries/

TABLE 1 – July 2024 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for May 2024 reported in the tables below came from 160,233 oil wells and 83,415 gas wells.

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. For full oil and gas production statistics, you can visit the links below.

Statewide totals: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/

County rankings: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production-by-county-ranking/

TABLE 1 - May 2024 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

* These are preliminary figures based on production volumes reported by operators and will be updated as late and corrected production reports are received.

TABLE 2 - May 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

TABLE 3 – May 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 4 – May 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 5 – May 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

AUSTIN – Earlier this week, Texas Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright testified before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources where he spoke in favor of bipartisan legislation to provide states with more flexibility to utilize the orphan well plugging funds provided to states under the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act.

H.R. 7053, the Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act, would provide states flexibility when it comes to methane monitoring of orphan wells through the Department of the Interior (DOI) Formula Grant program.

“The methane monitoring requirements under the DOI’s current Formula Grant increases the cost to plug these wells,” said Commissioner Wright. “For states with large orphan well populations, increasing plugging costs by 10% means that ultimately there will be 10% fewer wells plugged with these funds.”

While the legislation focuses on the cost of methane monitoring, Commissioner Wright also took the opportunity to highlight several other failures of the DOI’s Orphaned Wells Program Office, specifically the delays Texas has experienced with respect to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) reviews under the Formula Grant.

“The delays Texas has experienced under the Formula Grant has significantly hindered our ability to plug orphan wells utilizing federal funds,” Commissioner Wright noted. “Texas plugged a total of approximately 730 wells with $25 million through the DOI’s Initial Grant. Unfortunately, due to the increased costs and the extensive delays and reviews required by the DOI, the number of orphan wells plugged with federal funds through the first five months of the Formula Grant is 60% lower than what was plugged during the first five months under the Initial Grant.”

View Commissioner Wright’s written testimony.
View a recording of the hearing.

Railroad Commission geologists and engineers will work with environmental experts from other states to analyze an important agency program that protects underground sources of drinking water.   

The RRC has requested the Groundwater Protection Council (GWPC), a respected organization of national groundwater experts, conduct an independent peer review of its Class II Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. 

Class II injection wells are used for oil and gas operations such as enhanced oil recovery, disposal of produced water (produced water is water that comes out of a well during oil and gas production), and underground hydrocarbon storage.

The GWPC is comprised of more than 30 ground water and environmental regulatory agencies in states spanning coast to coast.  The GWPC conducts peer reviews of a state’s program at the request of that state; UIC programs in California, Kansas and New Mexico have been recently reviewed. The RRC has been a member of the GWPC since its inception in 1983.

The GWPC’s peer reviews include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of the state’s rules, permit application workflows, permit review criteria, protection of underground drinking water, well inspection practices, program funding, and data management.

The RRC’s UIC program has been commended by federal regulators in recent years. The Environmental Protection Agency’s annual evaluations have highlighted RRC’s strong oversight of injection wells in protecting underground sources of drinking water and our continuing efforts to mitigate seismicity in Texas.

“The RRC has had success stories with our UIC program which began in 1982,” said Paul Dubois, RRC Assistant Director of the Oil and Gas Division. “One example is the significant steps we took to help mitigate earthquakes in West Texas by setting injection limits for produced water disposal. We even leveraged artificial intelligence for that work. It’s always good to have a new set of eyes on our mission, and having other states’ experts review our program will help further strengthen our important work.”

GWPC peer reviews are in-depth, and the Texas UIC peer review could take between six months to a year to complete.

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Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for April 2024 reported in the tables below came from 163,674 oil wells and 84,739 gas wells.

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. For full oil and gas production statistics, you can visit the links below.

Statewide totals: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/

County rankings: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production-by-county-ranking/

TABLE 1 - April 2024 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

* These are preliminary figures based on production volumes reported by operators and will be updated as late and corrected production reports are received.

TABLE 2 - April 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

TABLE 3 – April 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 4 – April 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 5 – April 2024 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

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The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 715 original drilling permits in June 2024. The total includes 648 to drill new oil or gas wells, 5 to re-enter plugged wellbores and 55 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in June 2024 is: 138 oil, 34 gas, 505 oil and gas, 26 injection, and 12 other permits.

In June 2024, Commission staff processed 610 oil, 225 gas and 198 injection completions for new drills, re-entries and re-completions.

Detailed data on drilling permits and well completions for the month can be found at this link:

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/dril