RRC Adopts Major New Oil and Gas Waste Management Rules

AUSTIN – After extensive reviews of public comments and stakeholder input, the Railroad Commission of Texas has adopted a significant overhaul of rules regulating oil and gas waste management facilities in Texas. RRC Commissioners voted to adopt the new regulations at their open meeting today.

The regulations cover waste from oil and gas operations, such as rock and other material pulled up from the ground during drilling, as well as waste from other operations for which the Legislature has given the RRC jurisdiction including geothermal, carbon sequestration and brine mining wells.

It is the first overhaul of RRC’s waste management rules in four decades. The new rules help the RRC continue to safeguard groundwater and surface water while adapting to modern waste management practices, such as recycling produced water, and recent advancements in production methods.

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

The new rules also codify informal guidance that RRC experts have developed over the course of several decades to give operators and the public certainty on how regulations of waste management facilities are carried out.

The adopted rules will enhance the RRC’s oversight of waste management facilities. The agency now has staff dedicated to environmental permit compliance – a team that reviews waste management facility reports and inspections, and follows-up on those reviews to quickly rectify any issues.

“The oil and gas industry has evolved dramatically since the 1980s. After a years-long process, and with thoughtful and thorough deliberation from the public, agency experts, and industry stakeholders, I am proud to report the Railroad Commission has passed its first overhaul of waste management rules in 40 years,” said Chairman Christi Craddick. “I sincerely appreciate our staff for their hard work in modernizing our agency’s rules to reflect current waste management practices and new advancements in production methods, allowing industry to continue driving economic growth while upholding our commitment to protecting public safety and the environment.”

“It’s been 40 years since these rules were last updated, and the oil and gas industry has grown and changed in ways unimaginable from back then. Updating these regulations was a slow and deliberate process, ensuring we listened to everyone impacted – small operators, landowners, royalty owners, and waste management companies,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “I personally hosted meetings with small and mid-sized producers, who shared real concerns about the initial draft, especially regarding pits. We took their feedback seriously, revised the rules and created a version that protects small businesses while safeguarding our environment. The final draft received overwhelming support from industry stakeholders, with opposition coming almost exclusively from radical environmental groups whose ultimate goal is to shut down oil and gas in Texas. This is a win for Texas energy and for commonsense, balanced regulation.”

“By passing this measure today, the Railroad Commission and the State of Texas have taken a significant step forward to align our practices and procedures to account for the considerable changes the industry has experienced in the 40 years since this rule was last reformed,” said Commissioner Jim Wright.  “Thanks to the tremendous effort and dedication of our staff here at the Railroad Commission and the input and participation of the public and stakeholder groups, we have been able to modernize these rules in a way which aligns with the Railroad Commission’s mission, and which will serve our state and citizens well.”

The RRC’s new waste management rules can be found on the RRC website at https://rrc.texas.gov/general-counsel/rules/proposed-rules/  under “Chapter 4: Environmental Protection”.