Online Research Queries

Due to a technical issue, data available in the Drilling Permit (W-1) Query and Online Severance Query in the Online Research Queries is current through the end of last week. The RRC is working to resolve the issue and have up-to-date data. 

News

Agency News Items - 2023

May

  • 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 possible
    May 25, 2023

    This 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  The RRC maintains the draft guidance place unnecessary administrative burdens that go beyond the scope of the legislation that authorized the well plugging funds.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.

  • Texas Energy Regulator Cheers SCOTUS Decision Reversing EPA’s WOTUS Overreach

    May 25, 2023

    Today, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that rules in favor of landowner by considerably narrowing the authority of the federal government to regulate “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA):

    “The Supreme Court continues to hand losses to President Biden’s EPA, first with an unconstitutional emissions rule and now an attempt to illegally control water and property rights. I applaud SCOTUS for protecting private property rights and the rule of law, reining-in an out-of-control EPA. The battle over WOTUS isn’t over, but this decision is a solid win for individual liberties.”

    A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.

  • RRC Commissioners Assess $3.5 Million in Fines

    May 19, 2023

    The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $3,515,243 in fines involving 283 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Wednesday. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

    Thirty-seven dockets involved $1,204,493 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC Hearings Division webpage.

    Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $1,625,800 for any oil and gas, LP-Gas, critical infrastructure, or pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $684,950 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC General Counsel webpage.

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

  • Commissioner Christian Statement on Climate Jobs Projection Report

    May 18, 2023

    The Texas Climate Jobs Project and the Ray Marshall Center at the University of Texas at Austin recently released a report claiming proposed Environmental Protection Agency rules to mitigate methane leaks from oil and gas production could create between 19,000 and 35,000 in Texas. Commissioner Christian has this to say on the report:

    "For my entire life, liberals have believed that breaking things will grow an economy. Just like a shop owner doesn't grow his business by breaking the window to his shop, you don't grow the Texas economy by breaking the oil and gas industry with anti-oil and gas regulations based on unsettled science from environmental alarmists in Washington DC."

    "Imagine the government creates a water moving program where people use buckets to scoop water out of a lake and then dump it back in on the other side 1,000 times. Then the government sends out a press release claiming their program has added 1,000 buckets of water to the lake. That is what these methane rules are like. It is harmful government busy-work that distracts from the real problem, which is energy inflation caused by hostile federal government rules reducing oil and gas production. It is foolish to believe any government law, rule or regulation has created more jobs than it has killed."

  • RRC Commissioners Assess $3.5 Million in Penalties

    May 18, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $3,515,243 in penalties involving 283 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Wednesday. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

    Thirty-seven dockets involved $1,204,493 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC Hearings Division webpage.

    Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $1,625,800 for any oil and gas, LP-Gas, critical infrastructure, or pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $684,950 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC General Counsel webpage.

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

  • Christian Slams Biden Administration’s Emission Mandates for Fossil Fuel Power Plants

    May 11, 2023

    AUSTIN – Today, the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new rules for coal and natural gas-fired power plants mandating that they must cut or capture nearly all their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2040. Following the news, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian was critical of the rules and said the following:

    “President Biden’s obsession with ‘net-zero’ is propping up unreliable energy sources that only make our electric grids unstable and leave consumers with higher energy costs,” said Commissioner Christian. “This month the Public Utilities Commission of Texas and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission warned that the retirement of thermal-based energies is leaving our grids extremely vulnerable to power blackouts, and this decision will only lead to less investment in those sources and less reliable energy on our grids.”

     

    A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can  learn more about Commissioner Christian here.

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for April 2023

    May 10, 2023

    The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 607 original drilling permits in April 2023. The total includes 525 to drill new oil or gas wells, 6 to re-enter plugged wellbores and 69 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

    The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in April 2023 is: 139 oil, 36 gas, 396 oil and gas, 35 injection, and one other permit.

    In April 2023, Commission staff processed 747 oil, 192 gas and 222 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 – APRIL 2023 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

    DISTRICT

    PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES

    NEW OIL COMPLETIONS

    NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    71

    69

    37

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    49

    45

    35

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    10

    11

    2

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    4

    2

    24

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    5

    3

    3

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    24

    2

    14

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    12

    14

    0

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    43

    55

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    257

    395

    52

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    8

    17

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    34

    9

    3

    (10) PANHANDLE

    8

    6

    6

    TOTAL

    525

    628

    176

    *A district map is available on the Railroad Commission of Texas website at https://rrc.texas.gov/media/3bkhbut0/districts_color_8x11.pdf.

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for February 2023

    May 09, 2023

    Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for February 2023 came from 160,103 oil wells and 87,153 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 - February 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

    PRODUCT

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

    Crude Oil

    102,867,009 BBLS (barrels)

    3,673,822 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    760,548,931 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    27,162,462 mcf

    * 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 - February 2022 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

    PRODUCT

    UPDATED REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    Crude Oil

    113,567,025 BBLS

    99,073,136 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    855,235,057 mcf

    718,315,645 mcf

     

    TABLE 3 February 2023 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CRUDE OIL (BBLS)

    1.

    MIDLAND

    17,154,581

    2.

    MARTIN

    14,679,221

    3.

    HOWARD

    7,400,486

    4.

    UPTON

    7,099,283

    5.

    KARNES

    5,272,952

    6.

    LOVING

    5,093,979

    7.

    GLASSCOCK

    4,076,038

    8.

    ANDREWS

    3,859,108

    9.

    REAGAN

    3,776,743

    10.

    REEVES

    3,408,274

     

    TABLE 4 – February 2023 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    RANK

    COUNTY

    TOTAL GAS (MCF)

    1.

    REEVES

    68,318,904

    2.

    WEBB

    59,966,728

    3.

    MIDLAND

    55,920,172

    4.

    PANOLA

    47,685,458

    5.

    LOVING

    35,307,636

    6.

    MARTIN

    34,506,184

    7.

    CULBERSON

    32,101,398

    8.

    HARRISON

    31,893,579

    9.

    UPTON

    28,767,875

    10.

    TARRANT

    21,591,467

     

    TABLE 5 – February 2023 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CONDENSATE (BBLS)

    1.

    REEVES

    5,118,736

    2.

    LOVING

    3,683,279

    3.

    CULBERSON

    2,414,972

    4.

    DE WITT

    940,721

    5.

    WEBB

    899,731

    6.

    KARNES

    771,616

    7.

    DIMMIT

    613,429

    8.

    LIVE OAK

    358,426

    9.

    MCMULLEN

    269,922

    10.

    WARD

    257,918

April

  • Commissioner Christian Cheers Job Growth in Texas Oil & Gas Industry

    April 28, 2023

    AUSTIN – Oil and gas industry trade associations TXOGA and TIPRO released industry job reports highlighting an increase of 1,500 jobs for March in the upstream sector of Texas’ oil and natural gas industry. Following review of the reports, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian applauded the growth.

    “It’s very encouraging to see this industry job growth at a time when it’s facing headwinds from Wall Street and relentless attacks from the Biden Administration,” said Commissioner Christian. “Texas’ oil and gas industry can help relieve the global energy crisis that’s been brought on by radical environmental policies and geopolitical instability. This growth goes to show that peoples’ need for reliable energy is trumping the rush-to-green movement that has attempted to end fossil fuels, and it’s an upward trend that I hope continues.”

    According to the reports, upstream (exploration and production) jobs increased over the year by 20,000—or 11.2%. Since an industry low point because of COVID in September 2020, upstream employment has grown by a factor of 26 to 4 and has had an average growth of 1,390 jobs per month. Texas oil and gas companies pay some of the highest job wages in the state with an average salary of about $115,000.

    A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.

  • RRC Commissioners Assess Nearly $900,000 in Fines

    April 27, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $888,323 in fines involving 230 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.

    Twenty-six dockets involved $366,763 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC Hearings Division webpage.

    Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $50,960 for any oil and gas, LP-Gas, critical infrastructure, or pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $470,600 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC General Counsel webpage.

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

  • Wayne Christian Presides Over 100th Open Meeting as Railroad Commissioner

    April 25, 2023

    AUSTIN – Today, Commissioner Wayne Christian presided over his 100th Open Meeting of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) since assuming office in January 2017. Christian was first elected to serve as Railroad Commissioner in 2016 and was reelected in 2022. Following the public meeting, Commissioner Christian said the following:

    “It has been an honor to serve nearly 30 million Texans as a steward, defender and promoter of Texas’ vital oil and gas industry that makes our 21st century modern way of life possible,” said Commissioner Christian. “Texas is the nation’s largest producer of oil and gas, and I aim to help keep it that way. American oil and gas production is the answer for affordable energy, a more robust economy, and the pathway to stronger national security.”

    In 2016, Wayne Christian was elected as the 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner. During his first term, America’s oil and gas reserves doubled with the largest discovery in the Permian Basin revitalizing domestic production[1]. In 2018, under the Trump administration, the U.S. became a net exporter for the first time and helped America overtake Saudi Arabia and Russia as the world’s largest exporter of oil[2]. And in 2022, the U.S. became the world’s largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exporter[3] with about half of those exports being shipped from Texas LNG terminals[4].

    Since assuming office in 2017, Commissioner Christian has ruled on 27,905 agenda items. In that time, the RRC has been commended for its consistent and predictable regulations, quick permitting times, and environmental conservation efforts. The Commission has received numerous awards from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and the Interstate Mining Compact Commission. 

    [1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielcohen/2018/12/21/americas-oil-and-gas-reserves-double-with-massive-new-permian-discovery/?sh=108c21b22c91

    [2] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=40973

    [3] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=53159

    [4] https://comptroller.texas.gov/economy/fiscal-notes/2022/sep/energy.php 

    A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here .

  • RRC at EarthX Conference and Expo

    April 21, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas is participating in this year’s EarthX Conference and Expo in Dallas this weekend to spread awareness of the commission’s extensive work protecting Texas while regulating the state’s oil and gas industry.

    RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian is attending the conference and spoke on a Conservation: A Conservative Perspective panel this afternoon.  

    Commissioner Christian speaks on panel at EarthX Commissioner Christian speaks on panel
    School group at RRC Expo boothSchool group at RRC Expo booth


    “Contrary to popular belief, fossil fuel usage and a clean environment are not mutually exclusive,” said Commissioner Christian. “In the last 100 years, fossil fuels have helped to save human lives from the elements, provided more food to the starving, lifted people out of poverty, and helped enable our modern, technological way of life in the 21st century. With about 3 billion people on this planet needing access to reliable energy, global energy strategies should be about empowering access to fossil fuels not limiting them.”

    For over a century, the RRC has carried out a mission protecting the environment as related to and around energy production. The RRC is taking this opportunity to inform the public about some of the relevant issues and statistics surrounding energy in Texas. 

    The agency has evolved over the decades utilizing state-of-the art technology, inspections, and staff expertise to protect groundwater and the safety of residents in a growing state. The RRC has been nationally recognized for many of its programs including but not limited to orphaned well plugging, abandoned mine land restoration, seismicity monitoring, groundwater protection, and surface mining reclamation.  

    According to the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA), over the last fifty years the six major pollutants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency have decreased by 78%. That’s during a period the U.S. economy grew 292%, the population grew 62%, and energy use grew by 43%. And according to the AAPCA there’s been a nearly 10% decrease in energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from 1999-2019, while total energy production in the U.S. increased by 42%.           

  • RRC’s Pipeline Damage Prevention Page Gets Streamlined to Help Texans Avoid Digging Danger

    April 14, 2023

    AUSTIN- April is Safe Digging Month to remind residents and businesses in our growing state about the importance of calling 811 to prevent dangerous or expensive damage to pipelines and underground utilities when digging.

    After calling 811, line locators have 48 hours to arrive and mark any underground utility lines with flags or paint.  Once marked, excavation work can safely begin.

    The RRC recently streamlined the agency’s Pipeline Damage Prevention web page to make it much easier to find the resources needed to  start any new projects that require digging, and to report any damages to gas pipelines. This page can be beneficial for anyone who is digging in Texas, including homeowners, electricians, landscapers, and plumbers.

    As the chart below shows, telecommunications-related work accounted for the largest portion of damages to struck gas lines that were reported to the RRC in 2022.  

    Top Ten Types of Work Performed 2022

    The chart above shows the types of work that resulted in underground pipeline damages.

    “When we looked at the number of gas pipeline damages reported from 2020 to 2022, the percentage of incidents from telecom work doubled from 12 to 24 percent,” said Karley Bisbano, RRC Manager for Pipeline Damage Prevention. “It may be because of increased telecommunications demand and network expansion around the state. Whatever the project is, we can’t overemphasize the importance of calling 811 to confirm it’s safe before costly repairs or injuries occur.”

    State law requires anyone planning to dig deeper than 16 inches in depth, they must call 811 with a minimum of 48 hours prior to beginning a project so that utilities underground can be properly marked.

    We recommend calling the number even when digging less than 16 inches as a safety precaution.

    Penalties for violating damage prevention rules begin at $1,000 for each offense. If you are not sure whether your project may be in violation of these requirements, it is best to call to have the area assessed before you begin unearthing valuable utility work.

    Location requests can also be filed online at the Texas 811 website at https://www.texas811.org/.

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for March 2023

    April 12, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 1,052 original drilling permits in March 2023. The total includes 922 to drill new oil or gas wells, 10 to re-enter plugged wellbores and 107 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

    The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in March 2023 is: 272 oil, 55 gas, 672 oil and gas, 42 injection, one service, and 10 other permits.

    In March 2023, Commission staff processed 1,126 oil, 260 gas and 836 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 – MARCH 2023 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

    DISTRICT

    PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES

    NEW OIL COMPLETIONS

    NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    167

    114

    23

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    76

    33

    29

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    16

    9

    4

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    5

    2

    15

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    5

    9

    1

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    29

    8

    35

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    14

    18

    0

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    97

    114

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    434

    612

    112

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    27

    21

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    44

    17

    5

    (10) PANHANDLE

    8

    1

    11

    TOTAL

    922

    958

    235

    *A district map is available on the Railroad Commission of Texas website at https://rrc.texas.gov/media/3bkhbut0/districts_color_8x11.pdf.

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for January 2023

    April 04, 2023

    AUSTIN –– Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for January 2023 reported in the tables below came from 160,420 oil wells and 84,146 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 additional oil and gas production statistics, including the ranking of each Texas County by crude oil, total gas and condensate production, visit the RRC’s website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/ 

    TABLE 1 - January 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION* 

    PRODUCT 

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME 

    AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION 

    Crude Oil 

    111,616,919 BBLS (barrels)

    3,600,546 BBLS

    Natural Gas 

    845,190,651 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    27,264,215 mcf

    * 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 - January 2022 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION 

    PRODUCT 

    UPDATED REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME 

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME 

    Crude Oil 

    127,301,080 BBLS

    118,056,176 BBLS

    Natural Gas 

    952,423,960 mcf

    871,065,745 mcf

     

    TABLE 3 JANUARY 2023 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION 

    RANK 

    COUNTY 

    CRUDE OIL (BBLS) 

    1.

    MIDLAND

    17,225,140

    2.

    MARTIN

    14,465,568

    3.

    HOWARD

    8,576,506

    4.

    UPTON

    7,685,186

    5.

    KARNES

    6,057,722

    6.

    GLASSCOCK

    4,706,160

    7.

    LOVING

    4,472,355

    8.

    ANDREWS

    4,055,637

    9.

    REAGAN

    4,027,858

    10.

    REEVES

    3,752,535

    TABLE 4 – JANUARY 2023 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION 

    RANK 

    COUNTY 

    TOTAL GAS (MCF) 

    1.

    REEVES

    75,753,312

    2.

    WEBB

    69,722,389

    3.

    MIDLAND

    59,995,352

    4.

    PANOLA

    50,179,079

    5.

    MARTIN

    37,635,820

    6.

    LOVING

    37,464,015

    7.

    HARRISON

    36,565,066

    8.

    CULBERSON

    35,745,605

    9.

    UPTON

    31,379,130

    10.

    REAGAN

    29,699,936

    TABLE 5 – JANUARY 2023 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION 

    RANK 

    COUNTY 

    CONDENSATE (BBLS) 

    1.

    REEVES

    5,873,403

    2.

    LOVING

    4,106,297

    3.

    CULBERSON

    2,647,502

    4.

    DE WITT

    1,080,788

    5.

    WEBB

    911,691

    6.

    KARNES

    723,480

    7.

    DIMMIT

    700,938

    8.

    MCMULLEN

    311,839

    9.

    LA SALLE

    291,966

    10.

    WARD

    276,700

  • RRC Showcases Speedy Work Plugging Orphaned Wells with Federal Funds

    April 03, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas highlighted the agency’s extensive work and expertise in plugging orphaned oil and gas wells during a visit from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in Houston last week.

    When a well ceases production, the majority of operators fulfill their obligations and responsibly plug their wells to prevent leaks and protect the environment. Last year 88% of wells plugged were plugged by operators. The RRC steps in to plug wells when an operator goes out of business, and collects on the operator’s financial assurance and seeks reimbursement through legal proceedings.  

    In October, Texas was the first state in the nation to begin plugging orphaned oil and gas wells using an initial grant from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The RRC has plugged more than 430 wells so far with that federal grant.

    Those well pluggings supplement RRC’s annual well pluggings in the State Managed Plugging Program (SMP). No taxpayer money is used at all for the SMP; all the funding is through oil and gas industry revenue including, but not limited to multiple fees, and bonds and financial security paid by oil and gas operators.

    The next inflow of federal well plugging funds will be through formula grants. RRC submitted comments on draft formula grant guidance recently issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior.  The RRC is concerned the draft requirements place 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.   

    “Among all oil and gas producing states, we’re a leader in addressing orphan wells, and the Legislature has passed several measures to create incentives to reduce orphan wells in Texas,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director. “We’ve built great momentum using federal funds to plug wells, and we urged Secretary Haaland to help us keep the momentum. Less than two percent of oil and gas wells in the state are orphaned, and getting the formula funds quickly will help us proceed without unnecessary interruptions.”

    Clay Woodul, RRC Assistant Director of the Oil and Gas Division for Field Operations, shows Secretary Deb Haaland and members of Congress an orphaned well scheduled to be plugged in Houston
    Clay Woodul, RRC Assistant Director of the Oil and Gas Division for Field Operations, shows Secretary Deb Haaland and members of Congress an orphaned well scheduled to be plugged in Houston

    Clay Woodul, RRC Assistant Director of the Oil and Gas Division for Field Operations, shows Secretary Deb Haaland and members of Congress an orphaned well scheduled to be plugged in Houston.

    The RRC anticipates plugging about 800 wells this fiscal year using the initial federal grant, which would be in addition to at least 1,000 well pluggings through the SMP.

    The agency’s comments on the draft formula grant guidance can be found on the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/4ilhvfga/iija-draft-formual-grant_rrc-texas-comments_2_24.pdf

  • Mr. President: America’s Energy Security Isn’t Achieved Overseas—It’s Here at Home

    RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian’s Statement on Saudi Arabia Plans to Cut Oil Production
    April 03, 2023

    AUSTIN – Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian issued the following statement regarding news of Saudi Arabia and other nations’ plans to cut oil production by up to 1.15 million barrels a day, starting in May through the end of the year:

    “First Russia and now Saudi Arabia, President Biden’s reliance on foreign countries for oil is a doomed energy strategy making our energy more expensive and nation less secure. Mr. President, as I said in February, Texas and other states can make up these production cutbacks. Unleash U.S. oil producers and give the industry the support it needs for the sake of all Americans.”

     

    A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can  learn more about Chairman Christian here.

March

  • Texas Energy Leader Applauds Passage of Lower Energy Cost Act

    March 31, 2023

    AUSTIN – Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian applauded passage of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Cost Act that seeks to restore America as the world’s top producer oil and natural gas.  

    Following the 225-204 vote, Commissioner Christian had this to say:

    “America has the ability to be energy independent, producing our own cheap, plentiful and reliable God-given natural resources -- right here at home -- making energy affordable and the nation stronger. 

    “President Biden's war on oil and gas has increased the cost of gasoline by 40% and the cost of electricity by 20%-30%. Biden and Congressional Democrats’ strategy is to run up the national debt and beg our foreign adversaries for help, leaving consumers with more expensive and less reliable energy.

    “The Lower Energy Cost Act includes provisions important to Texas, such as repealing President Biden’s harmful tax on natural gas production and stopping bans on internal combustion engines and gasoline-based cars.”

    Learn more about  the Lower Energy Cost Act here

    # # #

    A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren.  You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.

  • RRC Commissioners Assess more than $1 million in Penalties

    March 30, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,029,351 in fines involving 287 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.

    Twenty-two dockets involved $255,601 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC Hearings Division webpage.

    Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $184,300 for any oil and gas, LP-Gas, critical infrastructure, or pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $589,450 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC General Counsel webpage.

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

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for December 2022

    March 09, 2023

    AUSTIN –– Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for December 2022 came from 161,489 oil wells and 87,023 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 additional oil and gas production statistics, including the ranking of each Texas County by crude oil, total gas and condensate production, visit the RRC’s website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/.

    TABLE 1 - December 2022 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

    PRODUCT

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

    Crude Oil

    104,363,178 BBLS (barrels)

    3,366,554 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    813,655,568 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    26,246,954 mcf

    * 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 - December 2021 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

    PRODUCT

    UPDATED REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    Crude Oil

    129,884,145 BBLS

    107,277,204 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    970,409,365 mcf

    747,220,020 mcf

     

    TABLE 3 December 2022 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CRUDE OIL (BBLS)

    1.

    MIDLAND

    16,978,716

    2.

    MARTIN

    13,217,855

    3.

    UPTON

    7,038,078

    4.

    HOWARD

    6,906,697

    5.

    KARNES

    5,953,300

    6.

    LOVING

    4,125,998

    7.

    REEVES

    4,018,281

    8.

    GLASSCOCK

    3,752,279

    9.

    ANDREWS

    3,407,766

    10.

    REAGAN

    3,381,474

     

    TABLE 4 – December 2022 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    RANK

    COUNTY

    TOTAL GAS (MCF)

    1.

    REEVES

    75,609,665

    2.

    WEBB

    65,685,464

    3.

    MIDLAND

    59,736,723

    4.

    PANOLA

    51,758,840

    5.

    LOVING

    35,059,791

    6.

    MARTIN

    33,888,054

    7.

    CULBERSON

    33,856,269

    8.

    HARRISON

    32,990,695

    9.

    UPTON

    30,367,898

    10.

    REAGAN

    26,781,418

     

    TABLE 5 – December 2022 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CONDENSATE (BBLS)

    1.

    REEVES

    5,505,763

    2.

    LOVING

    3,890,827

    3.

    CULBERSON

    2,567,944

    4.

    DE WITT

    835,468

    5.

    KARNES

    766,945

    6.

    WEBB

    673,394

    7.

    WARD

    415,064

    8.

    LIVE OAK

    389,328

    9.

    LA SALLE

    289,188

    10.

    MCMULLEN

    167,126

     

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for February 2023

    March 08, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 700 original drilling permits in February 2023. The total includes 620 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 5 to re-enter plugged wellbores and 71 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

    The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in February 2023 is: 151 oil, 44 gas, 472 oil and gas, 28 injection, two service, and three other permits.

    In February 2023, Commission staff processed 567 oil, 150 gas and 246 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 – JANUARY 2023 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

    DISTRICT

    PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES

    NEW OIL COMPLETIONS

    NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    72

    59

    25

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    65

    5

    1

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    21

    12

    2

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    7

    4

    2

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    0

    3

    1

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    23

    3

    33

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    8

    8

    0

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    46

    56

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    332

    313

    46

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    16

    8

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    28

    10

    18

    (10) PANHANDLE

    2

    2

    3

    TOTAL

    620

    483

    131

    *A district map is available on the Railroad Commission of Texas website at https://rrc.texas.gov/media/3bkhbut0/districts_color_8x11.pdf.

  • RRC Commissioners Assess Approximately $640,000 in Penalties

    March 03, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $639,143 in fines involving 204 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.

    Sixteen dockets involved $153,399 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC Hearings Division webpage.

    Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $40,644 for oil and gas, LP-Gas or pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $445,100 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC General Counsel webpage.

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

  • RRC Commissioners Vote to Challenge the Validity of EPA Air Emissions Actions

    March 01, 2023

    AUSTIN – At their Feb. 28 open meeting, RRC Commissioners unanimously voted to refer two actions by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to the Texas Attorney General to challenge their validity.

    In 2018 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality submitted the state’s robust Interstate Transport State Implementation Plan (SIP) for National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone – a plan to ensure that emissions within the state would comply with the “good neighbor” provisions of the Clean Air Act and not affect air quality in other states. The EPA disapproved the plan in February 2023, but not before proposing a federal implementation plan (FIP) plan almost a full year prior to disapproving the state plan.

    The RRC is concerned that the EPA was ready to ignore the state’s expertise on regional factors, and circumvented procedures in the Clean Air Action by proposing a federal plan before its final disapproval of the SIP. 

    Not only that, but the proposed FIP also introduces restrictive emissions standards for stationary engines that are used in the pipeline transportation of natural gas. As the state’s oil and gas regulator, the RRC is concerned about how the proposal could hinder a vital industry that contributes significantly to the Texas economy and the state budget. 

    “When the federal government oversteps in the business of Texas, it is our responsibility to push back,” said RRC Chairman Christi Craddick. “This federal administration has yet again proven that they do not value the profoundly beneficial impact of the oil and gas industry in Texas, and this vote is the first step for the Railroad Commission of Texas in fighting back against unreasonable and unjust attempts to harm this state.”

    “The Biden Administration is pulling every pseudo-environmental lever they can to shut down oil and gas production – especially in Texas – where it’s cheap, plentiful, and responsibly produced,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “Biden’s EPA first tried it in the Permian Basin last year through non-attainment, with faulty emissions reports, to no success. Now they are trying it through an overreaching, one-size-fits-all approach with their regional haze rule. Contrary to popular belief, fossil fuel usage and a clean environment are not mutually exclusive; in fact, according to the EPA themselves major pollutants are down 78% in the last fifty years alongside increased fossil fuel consumption. I hope the Texas Attorney General will fight this onerous proposal and return the rights back to states and local officials, who know best how to take care of their own land and air.” 

    “There is a disturbing trend emerging from the Biden Administration with respect to blatant federal overreach and repeated attempts to undermine the authority and sovereignty of our state,” said Commissioner Jim Wright. “Texas has a long and proud history of protecting our natural resources and our environment and is more than capable of acting in the best interest of our citizens without Washington bureaucrats looking over our shoulder.”

    A copy of the Commission’s order approving referral of these actions to the Texas Attorney General can be found at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/nundcgus/2023_02_28_12_15_53.pdf

February

  • RRC Concerned Texas May Not Be Able to Maximize Federal Funds to Plug Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells

    February 27, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas has filed comments on draft guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) for utilizing formula grants to plug orphaned oil and gas wells.

    Several aspects of the draft guidance have caused concern for the RRC because it could hinder the state’s efforts to use as much funding as possible for important work that protects residents and the environment.

    Among the concerns is the fact that the DOI may end up changing formula funding calculations for states, which could mean Texas could get less than the approximately $318 million that was originally due to the state.

    The guidance also has program requirements for states that go beyond the scope of the federal legislation that authorized the well plugging funds. These requirements are burdensome and sometimes unrealistic to implement, which will inevitably hamper the momentum of the state’s plugging efforts resulting in less wells being plugged than could be.

    The comments submitted by the RRC are guided by the agency’s expertise in plugging orphaned oil and gas wells. That expertise was key to Texas’ first in the nation status utilizing federal funds to plug orphaned wells, when work began in October 2022 with the state’s $25 million initial grant.  

    Adding unnecessary requirements to the next phase of federal funding, the formula grants, can hinder the state’s ability to plug as many orphaned oil and gas wells as possible.

    “As Chairman of the Railroad Commission, I believe it is crucial for this agency to thoroughly assess all strings attached to federal money. When dealing with the federal government, we always read the fine print,” said RRC Chairman Christi Craddick. “The Commission is responsible for ensuring health and safety standards for all Texans while overseeing responsible stewardship of our state’s abundant natural resources. The Department of Interior’s draft guidelines are extremely concerning and our comments reflect our commitment to prioritizing Texas. Money intended for well plugging efforts should be used for just that – not bureaucratic red tape. Advancing the Biden administration’s political agenda at the expense of Texans is unacceptable, and this agency will continue to push back on all unreasonable regulations put forth by the federal government.”

    “President Biden’s Interior Department needs to stop playing politics with taxpayer dollars and allow Texas and other oil and gas states to get to work plugging more wells and producing much-needed reliable energy,” said RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian. “Texas is not only the national leader in producing oil and natural gas, but is also a leader in plugging abandoned wells, protecting groundwater, and reducing flaring. Taxpayer dollars should ALWAYS be used with the utmost care—Biden’s Interior Department needs to walk back their overreaching guidance which only adds onerous regulations making abandoned well plugging more costly and less timely.”

    “Taxpayer dollars – regardless of their origin – should always be used efficiently and effectively to achieve the desired result,” said RRC Commissioner Jim Wright. “Based on the draft guidance issued by the DOI, it would seem that plugging as many orphan wells as possible is low on the Department’s priority list. The words “innovation” and “federal government” rarely appear in the same sentence. Instead of handcuffing states with top-down, bureaucratic red tape and unrealistic requirements that increase plugging costs, the DOI should seek to empower states like Texas by providing them with the flexibility to achieve our shared mission of reducing the orphan well population.” 

    A copy of the RRC comments sent to DOI can be found on the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/4ilhvfga/iija-draft-formual-grant_rrc-texas-comments_2_24.pdf.

  • Texas Files Comments on Federal Rules That Could Stifle State’s Vital Oil and Gas Industry

    February 14, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas joined the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in filing comments this week on the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed supplemental rule to regulate methane and greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas industry.

    In the comments, the state expresses concerns that the proposed rule exceeds EPA’s statutory authority under the Clean Air Act and will significantly limit domestic energy supply. At a time of energy fluctuations due to international conflict, the United States cannot afford to clamp down on its most important oil and gas producing state. 

    Texas also commented that the proposal also lays out unrealistic assumptions and artificially high metrics to estimate the climate benefits of the rule, whereas in practice, the rule would place an unjustifiable burden on states and the energy industry for little real benefit to the global climate.

    In addition, the RRC is concerned that EPA did not provide sufficient time for affected stakeholders to review and comment on the extreme breadth of its proposal. The proposed rule was published immediately before the holiday season, on December 6, 2022, amidst several other significant regulatory proposals. Despite receiving numerous requests to extend the comment period, EPA declined to provide additional time. 

    “The EPA’s overreaching methane rules and unrealistic timeline are yet another example of the Biden administration’s attempt to shut down the oil and gas industry in Texas,” said RRC Chairman Christi Craddick. “I stand with my fellow Railroad Commissioners and partners at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in opposition to this attack on the industry that provides so much to our state.”

    “President Biden's EPA continues its relentless fight to shut down oil and gas. The EPA’s proposed rule on methane will make reliable energy scarcer and more expensive at a time when we desperately need more of it," said RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian. "From killing the Keystone XL pipeline project, to freezing federal leasing, to supporting ESG, to implementing onerous regulations, Biden is why energy is so expensive. An unburdened and unleashed Texas oil and gas industry is the path to energy security. We only need the administration to get out of the way! If the EPA moves forward, it's imperative that Texas and other states challenge them in the court and those rules get thrown out." 

    “The EPA methane rule is yet another example of the Biden Administration saying one thing and doing another,” said RRC Commissioner Jim Wright.  “In his State of the Union remarks, President Biden placed special emphasis on the need to increase domestic manufacturing, lower utility bills, and create American jobs.  Unfortunately, the EPA’s methane rule will have the opposite effect. Not only does this rule threaten Texas energy production, it does so by disproportionately impacting small and medium producers who live and work in their community, buy supplies, hire locally, and are important contributors to their local economies.”

    The joint comments submitted by the RRC and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality can be found at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/hhvontzl/epa-comments_021323.pdf.

  • Mr. President — IGNORE Putin and Unleash Texas

    RRC Commissioner Christian's Statement on Russian Plans to Cut Oil Production
    February 10, 2023

    AUSTIN - Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian issued the following statement regarding news of Russia's plans to cut oil production by about 5% next month, the equivalent of 500,000 barrels per day:

    “As President Biden doubles down on his anti-oil and gas agenda, our enemies overseas smell blood in the water and are using their production as leverage against the West.  We have the natural resources, the technology, and the manpower to be energy independent. We just need the federal government to get out of the way.

    “Mr. President — I commit to you today that if you stop your war against domestic oil and gas production, Texas can make up this 500,000-barrel difference and more. There truly is no downside! You even admitted so in your State of the Union address that we will need more oil for the foreseeable future. Let’s start here at home. We can defend our national security and our European allies, all the while increasing supply, reducing costs, creating jobs, stimulating our economy, and protecting our environment!

    “As former Vice Chair and current member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC), I’m confident that Texas is not alone in the promise to increase production. I’m sure that North Dakota, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and others can easily help make up any impact on the oil market that this move by Russia may have on global prices.

     “President Biden, you can save lives by unleashing American producers. Europe is in the midst of an energy crisis with concerns whether people will freeze to death this winter. Furthermore, high energy prices hurt the poorest populations and nations the most, with 80% of the world relying on fossil fuels. Putin’s threat to drive up oil prices will do so much more than hurt the West and continue his brutal war, it will have resounding unintended consequences to the children and the poor in developing nations that struggle just to get by each day.”

    According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Europe is facing an unprecedented energy crisis, as critical natural gas has been cut by more than 80% multiplying electricity costs by 15 times.

     

    A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here.

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for January 2023

    February 09, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 840 original drilling permits in January 2023. The total includes 743 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 6 to re-enter plugged wellbores and 80 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

    The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in January 2023 is: 197 oil, 57 gas, 550 oil or gas, 29 injection, and seven other permits.

    In January 2023, Commission staff processed 147 oil, 214 gas and 229 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 – JANUARY 2023 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

    DISTRICT

    PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES

    NEW OIL COMPLETIONS

    NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    107

    69

    42

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    51

    54

    24

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    14

    17

    5

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    9

    0

    7

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    3

    6

    1

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    30

    4

    47

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    14

    10

    0

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    59

    61

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    394

    313

    53

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    17

    12

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    38

    11

    12

    (10) PANHANDLE

    7

    3

    5

    TOTAL

    743

    560

    196

    *A district map is available on the Railroad Commission of Texas website at https://rrc.texas.gov/media/3bkhbut0/districts_color_8x11.pdf.

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for November 2022

    February 07, 2023

    AUSTIN – Crude Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for November 2022 came from 160,768 oil wells and 70,246 gas wells.

    The RRC reports that from December 2021 to November 2022, total Texas reported production was 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 11.2 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.

    For additional oil and gas production statistics, including the ranking of each Texas County by crude oil, total gas and condensate production, visit the RRC’s website at https://wwwrrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/

    TABLE 1 - NOVEMBER 2022 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

    Product

    Preliminary Reported
    Total Volume

    Average Daily
    Production     

    Crude Oil

    104,364,728 BBLS (barrels)

    3,478,824 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    776,813,155 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    25,893,772 mcf

    * 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 - NOVEMBER 2021 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

    Product

    Updated Reported Total Volume         

    Preliminary Reported
    Total Volume            

    Crude Oil

    126,433,961 BBLS

    109,836,328 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    927,811,890 mcf

    785,335,350 mcf

     

    TABLE 3 – NOVEMBER 2022 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    Rank

    County

    Crude Oil (bbls)

    1.

    Midland

    15,238,397

    2.

    Martin

    14,277,347

    3.

    Howard

    10,198,773

    4.

    Karnes

    6,190,056

    5.

    Upton

    6,028,015

    6.

    Glasscock 

    3,862,400

    7.

    Loving

    3,713,022

    8.

    Reeves

    3,484,316

    9.

    Reagan

    2,984,814

    10.

    Andrews

    2,859,028

     

    TABLE 4 – NOVEMBER 2022 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    Rank

    County

    Total Gas (mcf)

    1.

    Reeves

    74,831,378

    2.

    Webb

    59,178,733

    3.

    Midland

    55,251,060

    4.

    Panola

    50,315,214

    5.

    Martin

    37,916,649

    6.

    Loving

    34,692,075

    7.

    Culberson 

    31,581,390

    8.

    Harrison

    30,747,438

    9.

    Upton

    26,096,749

    10.

    Howard

    24,275,879

     

    TABLE 5 – NOVEMBER 2022 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

    Rank

    County

    Condensate (bbls)

    1.

    Reeves

    5,431,770

    2.

    Loving

    3,990,425

    3.

    Culberson 

    2,259,970

    4.

    DeWitt

    856,370

    5.

    Karnes

    840,891

    6.

    Webb

    672,714

    7.

    Ward

    363,959

    8.

    Live Oak

    291,774

    9.

    McMullen

    254,767

    10.

    La Salle

    194,866

     

  • Numbers Once Again Show Texas Gas Supply Held Strong During Wintry Weather

    February 06, 2023

    AUSTIN – For the second time this winter, the state’s natural gas supply chain was tested and performed as needed to keep heating and lights on for millions and millions of Texans.

    Winter Storm Mara swept through Midland, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and into San Antonio, covering several gas production basins in the state. The key elements of gas supply – production, pipeline transportation and underground storage – all performed up to par during the arctic blast.

    Texas’ daily onshore gas production, for example, averaged more than 25 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day from January 31 to February 2. As shown in the chart below, that exceeded the daily average seen during Winter Storm Elliott in late December, and the daily production gas production of all last winter.

    Texas Onshore Natural Gas Production Daily Average

    The state’s underground storage facilities had an estimated 392.4 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas as of January 2023. In addition, pipeline operators packed the pipeline system with natural gas ahead of the storm.

    All told, there was more than enough gas to meet the demand during Mara. According to data from S&P Global natural gas demand for residential and commercial heating peaked at 4.23 Bcf and demand for electricity generation peaked at an estimated 6.46 Bcf for power generation, both on January 31.

    The RRC does not regulate the price of natural gas, but it should be noted that there were no unusual spikes in prices with the cash basis market price averaging below $3 per MMBtu at the Waha trading hub in West Texas during Mara. Market data suggests that price actually declined by $0.60 per MMBtu on February 1 indicating strong supply in the region.

    The Commission has been committed to ensuring the delivery of natural gas to protect Texans this winter, and we will continue that work to ensure peace of mind for residents.

  • Wednesday Update: Texas Natural Gas Supply Steady During Winter Storm Mara

    February 01, 2023

    AUSTIN – The state's natural gas supply continues to hold steady to help provide heating to homes and fuel for electricity generation during the ongoing winter storm.

    The RRC is keeping up its round-the-clock contact with operators and other state agencies during Winter Storm Mara. Natural gas utilities are reporting no service issues providing home heating; several have pre-deployed trucks with compressed and liquid natural gas as backups for residential heating but have not needed to utilize them yet.

    Oil and gas operators along the natural gas supply chain, from production to pipelines to underground storage, are maintaining stable operations, and there is adequate natural gas supply in the state.

    The RRC’s Emergency Management Team continues to work with operators and other state agencies to handle requests for assistance given the severe icy conditions gripping different parts of Texas.

    Icy roads are contributing to yet another day of dangerous driving conditions in Texas this week. The RRC urges operators and residents to heed warnings from state and local emergency officials and stay safe. We will continue our work to ensure Texas gets through this week’s winter storm.

January

  • Ample Natural Gas Supply Available During Winter Storm Mara: RRC is Monitoring Round-the-Clock

    January 31, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas’ preparations for Winter Storm Mara began well ahead of time as we began tracking the approaching weather last week; activated the RRC Emergency Management Team on Sunday; and also issued a notice to operators on Sunday on the incoming impact to the state.   

    The agency has been meeting daily for the last three days with gas utilities that serve residences, and held conference calls this morning with those utilities as well as the state’s major oil and gas producers and pipeline operators.

    All facets of the gas supply chain - production, pipeline transportation and underground gas storage - are reporting no major issues. Preliminary estimates from S&P Global indicate daily production of 25 billion cubic feet.  Gas supply remains steady throughout the supply chain.

    The RRC is committed to helping ensure there is adequate gas supply for home heating and power generation to protect millions of Texans during the winter storm.

    We are also working at the State Operations Center, side by side with agencies such as the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT and the Texas Department of Transportation to address any requests for assistance oil and gas operators have.

    Operators are dealing with icy road conditions in several parts of the state that could affect movement of crews and equipment, and the RRC is working directly with state and local partners to address those issues. We want to remind operators and all Texans to be mindful of road conditions and stay safe.

  • RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $630,000 in Penalties

    January 20, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $630,917 in fines involving 161 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ Conference on Wednesday. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.

    Nine dockets involved $73,667 in penalties after operators failed to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC Hearings Division webpage.

    Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $44,600 for oil and gas, LP-Gas or pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $512,650 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC General Counsel webpage.

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

  • Numbers Show Natural Gas Supply in Texas Held up During Winter Storm Elliott

    January 17, 2023

    The RRC’s commitment to ensure the resilience of natural gas infrastructure during cold weather was tested last month during Winter Storm Elliott with sub-freezing temperatures that lasted several days during the Christmas weekend. The numbers are in and show that there was ample natural gas supply to help the state’s electricity supply chain and keep Texans safe.

    The U.S. Energy Information Administration analysis below shows the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) energy mixes for electricity generation in the state for the past year. As the chart reflects, natural gas fired electric generation reached the highest peak for the entirety of 2022 on December 23 during Winter Storm Elliott, surpassing that of the peak days last summer.


    EIA Chart showing highest usage on December 23


    Furthermore, data from S&P Global Platt shows the daily average of Texas onshore natural gas production during Elliott was 24.89 Billion cubic feet (Bcf) which was even more than the daily average from the prior winter.  

    S&P Global Platt shows daily average of Texas onshore natural gas production during Elliott was 24.89 Billion cubic feet (Bcf)
    Data source: S&P Global Platts

    The RRC will continue its diligent work to inspect natural gas facilities supporting the electricity supply chain throughout this winter and ensure infrastructure is hardened against extreme weather conditions.  Just as what was done during Elliott, staff will work around the clock to help ensure Texans’ safety in any upcoming cold weather.

     

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for October 2022

    January 06, 2023

    AUSTIN – Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas for October 2022 came from 161,356 oil wells and 80,281 gas wells.

    The RRC reports that from November 2021 to October 2022, total Texas reported production was 1.5 billion barrels of crude oil and 11.2 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.

    For additional oil and gas production statistics, including the ranking of each Texas County by crude oil, total gas and condensate production, visit the RRC’s website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/research-and-statistics/production-data/texas-monthly-oil-gas-production/.

    TABLE 1 (October 2022): Statewide Production*

    Product

    Preliminary Reported
    Total Volume

    Average Daily
    Production     

    Crude Oil

    110,720,603 bbls (barrels)

    3,571,632 bbls

    Natural Gas

    848,930,463 mcf (thousand cubic feet)  

    27,384,854 mcf

    * 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 (October 2021): Statewide Production

    Product

    Updated Reported Total Volume         

    Updated Average
    Daily Production    

    Preliminary Reported
    Total Volume            

    Preliminary Average
    Daily Production

    Crude Oil

    130,745,004 bbls

    4,217,581 bbls

    112,667,446 bbls

    3,634,434 bbls

    Natural Gas

    955,649,089 mcf

    30,827,390 mcf

    821,516,825 mcf

    26,500,543 mcf

     

    TABLE 3 (October 2022): Texas Top 10 Crude Oil Producing Counties Ranked by Preliminary Production

    Rank

    County

    Crude Oil (bbls)

    1.

    Midland

    17,324,517

    2.

    Martin

    13,648,363

    3.

    Upton

    7,512,089

    4.

    Howard

    7,116,611

    5.

    Karnes

    7,008,378

    6.

    Loving

    5,971,215

    7.

    Reeves

    4,876,006

    8.

    Glasscock 

    3,885,052

    9.

    Andrews

    3,787,976

    10.

    Reagan

    3,656,367

     

    TABLE 4 (October 2022): Texas Top 10 Total Gas (Gas Well Gas & Casinghead) Producing Counties Ranked by Preliminary Production

    Rank

    County

    Total Gas (mcf)

    1.

    Reeves

    83,688,348

    2.

    Midland

    61,224,907

    3.

    Webb

    58,311,789

    4.

    Panola

    53,606,436

    5.

    Loving

    42,014,456

    6.

    Martin

    34,263,629

    7.

    Culberson 

    34,131,852

    8.

    Upton

    31,738,242

    9.

    Harrison

    31,623,563

    10.

    Reagan

    28,842,419

     

    TABLE 5 (October 2022): Texas Top 10 Total Condensate Producing Counties Ranked by Preliminary Production

    Rank

    County

    Condensate (bbls)

    1.

    Reeves

    5,973,231

    2.

    Loving

    4,318,884

    3.

    Culberson 

    2,440,760

    4.

    Karnes

    1,248,338

    5.

    DeWitt

    1,111,664

    6.

    Webb

    646,407

    7.

    Live Oak

    468,974

    8.

    Ward

    446,701

    9.

    McMullen

    262,500

    10.

    La Salle

    254,779

     

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for December 2022

    January 05, 2023

    AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 869 original drilling permits in December 2022 compared to 842 in December 2021. The December 2022 total includes 797 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, four to re-enter plugged wellbores and 45 for re-completions of existing wellbores.

    The breakdown of well types for original drilling permits in December 2022 is 161 oil, 71 gas, 598 oil or gas, 27 injection and 12 other permits.

    In December 2022, Commission staff processed 815 oil, 167 gas and 231 injection completions for new drills, re-entries and re-completions, compared to 605 oil, 99 gas and 211 injection completions in December 2021.

    Total well completions processed for 2022 for new drills, re-entries and re-completions are 13,415 compared to 9,269 recorded in 2021.

    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 DECEMBER 2022 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

    DISTRICT

    PERMITS TO DRILL
    NEW OIL/GAS HOLES 

    NEW OIL
    COMPLETIONS  

    NEW GAS
    COMPLETIONS   

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    143

    55

    16

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    47

    40

    7

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    19

    19

    4

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    8

    4

    9

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    3

    3

    0

    (6) EAST TEXAS  

    40

    4

    35

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    15

    13

    0

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    87

    109

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    362

    425

    60

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    17

    4

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    43

    31

    7

    (10) PANHANDLE

    13

    0

    5

    TOTAL

    797

    707

    143

    *A district map is available on the Railroad Commission of Texas website at https://rrc.texas.gov/media/3bkhbut0/districts_color_8x11.pdf.

  • RRC Unveils Interactive Map of Orphaned Wells Being Plugged with the Use of Federal Funding

    January 03, 2023

    AUSTIN – In yet another move to improve transparency, the Railroad Commission has launched an interactive map of ongoing orphan well plugging with the use of federal infrastructure funding.

    The data visualization allows users to choose what they see on the map, including which county to view, the fiscal year, and whether the wells have been plugged or have had a work order issued to be plugged.

    The RRC received a $25 million initial grant to plug abandoned oil and gas wells from the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2022. Texas was the first state in the country to start plugging abandoned oil and gas wells using federal funds with projects in Refugio County in October (video).

    The funds are part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which dedicated the funds to plug abandoned oil and gas wells.

    So far, the agency, which has the critical mission of protecting public safety and environment, has already plugged 128 orphaned wells with the federal funding and plans to plug about 800 abandoned wells by the end of the fiscal year.

    “Thanks to our well-established well plugging program, we were able to hit the ground running to start plugging wells with the federal funds,” said Clay Woodul, RRC Assistant Director of the Oil and Gas Division for Field Operations. “The data visualization allows anybody with access to the Internet to see our progress plugging wells the federal funds.”

    RRC’s State Managed Plugging Program, which utilizes revenue from industry fees and fines, has exceeded performance measures set by the Texas Legislature for six consecutive fiscal years.

    The RRC may receive up to $318 million in additional formula funding from the federal government to plug orphaned wells. More information and links can be found via the following webpage: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/environmental-cleanup-programs/federally-funded-well-plugging/.





Commissioners