About Us
In 2021 the Railroad Commission of Texas celebrated 130 years of serving Texans!
As the state's oldest regulatory agency, RRC has had a critical role of protecting the interests of the public, and as long as it exists the commissioners and employees will fiercely defend the public's interests.
The Railroad Commission of Texas was established in 1891 under a constitutional and legislative mandate to prevent discrimination in railroad charges and establish reasonable tariffs. It is the oldest regulatory agency in the state and one of the oldest of its kind in the nation. The Railroad Commission of Texas no longer has any jurisdiction or authority over railroads in Texas, a duty which was transferred to other agencies, with the last of the rail functions transferred to the Texas Department of Transportation in 2005.
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) is the state agency with primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry, pipeline transporters, natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline industry, natural gas utilities, the LP-gas industry, critical natural gas infrastructure, and coal and uranium surface mining operations. The Commission exists under provisions of the Texas Constitution and exercises its statutory responsibilities under state and federal laws for regulation and enforcement of the state’s energy industries. The Commission also has regulatory and enforcement responsibilities under federal law including the Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Pipeline Safety Acts, Resource Conservation Recovery Act, and Clean Water Act.
RRC Mission Statement
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans.
What we do
History of the Railroad Commission
The Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state and one of the oldest in the country. The Railroad Commission was established in 1891 to regulate the rail industry of the 1800s. Since that time the Commission has been given the responsibility for overseeing the activities of many different industries.
The Commission considers protection of the environment and preservation of individual property rights to be two of its primary responsibilities and through its employees, has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation.
Read more about RRC's history
Doing Business with the RRC
