News

Agency News Items - 2024

November

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for October 2024

    November 07, 2024

    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*

    DISTRICT

    PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES

    NEW OIL COMPLETIONS

    NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    48

    87

    18

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    55

    38

    28

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    15

    17

    4

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    6

    3

     6

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    2

    4

    1

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    32

    7

    14

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    16

    11

    1

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    43

    144

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    312

    562

    103

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    29

    23

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    28

    46

    8

    (10) PANHANDLE

    3

    2

    2

    TOTAL

    589

    944

    185

     

    # # #

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for August 2024

    November 05, 2024

    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*

    PRODUCT

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

    Crude Oil

    123,916,622 BBLS (barrels)

    3,997,310 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    981,131,829 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    31,649,413 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 - August 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

    PRODUCT

    UPDATED REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    Crude Oil

    142,244,583 BBLS

    117,783,828 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    1,052,393,888 mcf

    930,548,995 mcf

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CRUDE OIL (BBLS)

    1.

    MARTIN

    19,493,193

    2.

    MIDLAND

    17,118,145

    3.

    UPTON

    8,155,759

    4.

    HOWARD

    6,742,870

    5.

    REAGAN

    6,067,967

    6.

    KARNES

    5,980,509

    7.

    LOVING

    5,286,229

    8.

    REEVES

    4,619,384

    9.

    GLASSCOCK

    4,268,732

    10.

    ANDREWS

    4,183,005

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    TOTAL GAS (MCF)

    1.

    REEVES

    83,446,201

    2.

    WEBB

    82,211,376

    3.

    MIDLAND

    71,559,868

    4.

    MARTIN

    57,888,271

    5.

    PANOLA

    43,899,149

    6.

    LOVING

    39,842,653

    7.

    CULBERSON

    39,824,681

    8.

    UPTON

    35,972,280

    9.

    HARRISON

    35,804,644

    10.

    REAGAN

    33,464,433

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CONDENSATE (BBLS)

    1.

    REEVES

    6,936,323

    2.

    LOVING

    4,403,061

    3.

    CULBERSON

    3,417,566

    4.

    KARNES

    1,447,465

    5.

    WEBB

    1,400,554

    6.

    DE WITT

    1,094,739

    7.

    LIVE OAK

    952,899

    8.

    DIMMIT

    745,917

    9.

    LA SALLE

    617,780

    10.

    WARD

    506,738

    ###

     

October

  • RRC’s Digitally Imaged Oil and Gas Records Top 83 million

    October 29, 2024

    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/

  • RRC Commissioners Assess Over $1 Million in Penalties

    October 15, 2024

    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.

      Fine Amounts

    Fines Assessed from Master Default Orders

     

    $417, 169

    Fines Assessed from Master Agreed Orders

     

    $689,903

    Total Fines Assessed at August 2024 Conference

    $1,107,072

     

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

     

    ###

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for September 2024

    October 11, 2024

    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

    DISTRICT

    PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES

    NEW OIL COMPLETIONS

    NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    75

    105

    40

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    36

    37

    29

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    9

    15

    4

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    4

    1

    13

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    7

    3

    2

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    13

    7

    28

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    8

    12

    1

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    78

    122

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    288

    505

    86

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    32

    28

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    24

    9

    10

    (10) PANHANDLE

    6

    4

    0

    TOTAL

    580

    848

    213

     

     # # #

     

  • RRC Exceeds Major Performance Goals

    October 09, 2024

    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:

    Category

    Target

    Achieved

    Number of orphaned wells plugged with state funds

    1,000

    1,012

    Number of abandoned pollution sites investigated, assessed or cleaned up with state-managed funds

    400

    450

    Number of oil and gas well and facility inspections

    355,000

    461,350

    Number of pipeline safety inspections

    1,750

    2,457

    Number of coal mining permit actions processed

    300

    505

    Number of Alternative Fuels qualifying examinations, licenses, certifications and registrations

    33,000

    43,591

    Number of critical natural gas facility weatherization inspections

    7,000

    7,069

    ###

     

  • RRC Highlights October Energy Awareness Month

    October 04, 2024

    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/.

                                      

    ###

  • RRC Announces Public Comment on New Proposed Rules for Geothermal Energy

    October 02, 2024

    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.

    ###

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for July 2024

    October 01, 2024

    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*

    PRODUCT

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

    Crude Oil

    121,314,280 BBLS (barrels)

    3,913,363 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    953,623,122 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    30,762,036 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 - July 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

    PRODUCT

    UPDATED REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    Crude Oil

    142,219,234 BBLS

    117,769,397 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    1,043,987,233 mcf

    954,647,301 mcf

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CRUDE OIL (BBLS)

    1.

    MARTIN

    19,063,065

    2.

    MIDLAND

    16,664,937

    3.

    UPTON

    7,721,050

    4.

    HOWARD

    7,153,043

    5.

    LOVING

    6,372,574

    6.

    REAGAN

    5,982,824

    7.

    KARNES

    5,501,623

    8.

    REEVES

    4,767,717

    9.

    GLASSCOCK

    4,207,273

    10.

    ANDREWS

    3,982,364

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    TOTAL GAS (MCF)

    1.

    WEBB

    83,512,755

    2.

    REEVES

    81,045,117

    3.

    MIDLAND

    69,489,444

    4.

    MARTIN

    53,898,742

    5.

    PANOLA

    47,499,353

    6.

    LOVING

    40,501,946

    7.

    CULBERSON

    37,589,029

    8.

    UPTON

    35,293,456

    9.

    HARRISON

    34,809,690

    10.

    REAGAN

    33,002,415

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CONDENSATE (BBLS)

    1.

    REEVES

    6,291,434

    2.

    LOVING

    4,272,567

    3.

    CULBERSON

    3,335,043

    4.

    WEBB

    1,380,930

    5.

    KARNES

    1,312,256

    6.

    DE WITT

    1,024,840

    7.

    LIVE OAK

    928,931

    8.

    DIMMIT

    759,759

    9.

    LA SALLE

    548,810

    10.

    WARD

    394,066

    ###

September

  • RRC Commissioners Assess Over $2 Million in Penalties

    September 24, 2024

    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.

          Fine Amounts

    Fines Assessed from Master Default Orders

     

    $684,018.00

    Fines Assessed from Master Agreed Orders

     

    $1,624, 401.00

    Total Fines Assessed at September 2024 Conference

    $2,308,419.00

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

     

                                                                                                      ###

  • Tuesday Update: Harris County Pipeline Fire

    September 17, 2024

    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.

  • RRC Investigating Pipeline Fire in La Porte

    September 16, 2024

    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.

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for June 2024

    September 09, 2024

    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*

    PRODUCT

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

    Crude Oil

    117,287,433 BBLS (barrels)

    3,909,581 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    932,923,538 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    31,097,451 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 - June 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

    PRODUCT

    UPDATED REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    Crude Oil

    134,709,407 BBLS

    109,053,025 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    1,000,712,997 mcf

    904,389,540 mcf

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CRUDE OIL (BBLS)

    1.

    MARTIN

    18,313,602

    2.

    MIDLAND

    16,085,222

    3.

    UPTON

    7,532,696

    4.

    HOWARD

    6,549,665

    5.

    LOVING

    6,126,039

    6.

    KARNES

    5,581,176

    7.

    REAGAN

    5,524,087

    8.

    REEVES

    4,736,164

    9.

    GLASSCOCK

    4,297,959

    10.

    ANDREWS

    3,640,563

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    TOTAL GAS (MCF)

    1.

    REEVES

    79,710,779

    2.

    WEBB

    74,539,168

    3.

    MIDLAND

    68,370,105

    4.

    MARTIN

    49,577,058

    5.

    PANOLA

    46,521,974

    6.

    LOVING

    40,039,617

    7.

    CULBERSON

    37,943,460

    8.

    REAGAN

    36,051,777

    9.

    HARRISON

    34,906,807

    10.

    UPTON

    34,844,916

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CONDENSATE (BBLS)

    1.

    REEVES

    6,100,110

    2.

    LOVING

    4,281,908

    3.

    CULBERSON

    3,271,941

    4.

    KARNES

    1,390,770

    5.

    WEBB

    1,332,695

    6.

    DE WITT

    1,189,708

    7.

    LIVE OAK

    777,181

    8.

    DIMMIT

    667,396

    9.

    WARD

    485,096

    10.

    LA SALLE

    452,015

    ###

  • RRC Extends Successful Orphan Well Plugging Streak

    September 06, 2024

    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.

                                                                                                     # # #

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for August 2024

    September 06, 2024

    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*

    DISTRICT

    PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES

    NEW OIL COMPLETIONS

    NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    87

    86

    25

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    25

    46

    36

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    10

    4

    4

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    7

    3

    17

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    3

    0

    0

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    24

    6

    19

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    8

    11

    1

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    63

    68

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    497

    331

    55

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    24

    31

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    18

    27

    11

    (10) PANHANDLE

    2

    7

    2

    TOTAL

    768

    620

    170

     

                                                                                                # # #

  • RRC to Hold Public Hearings on Significant Overhaul to Waste Management Facilities Rules

    September 03, 2024

    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.

     

                                                                                            # # #

     

     

August

  • RRC Proposes Significant Overhaul of Oil & Gas Waste Management Rules

    August 16, 2024

    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.

  • RRC Commissioners Assess Over $2 Million in Penalties

    August 15, 2024

    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.

          Fine Amounts

    Fines Assessed from Master Default Orders

     

    $362,666.40

    Fines Assessed from Master Agreed Orders

     

    $1,810,716.00

    Total Fines Assessed at August 2024 Conference

    $2,173,382.40

     

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

     

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for July 2024

    August 05, 2024

    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*

    DISTRICT PERMITS TO DRILL NEW OIL/GAS HOLES NEW OIL COMPLETIONS NEW GAS COMPLETIONS

    (1) SAN ANTONIO AREA

    64

    110

    47

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    69

     25

    28

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    20

    8

    7

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    14

    2

    27

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    2

    7

    0

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    29

    9

    32

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    19

    10

    0

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    35

    132

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    389

    361

    54

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    20

    36

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    24

    21

    14

    (10) PANHANDLE

    0

    4

    0

    TOTAL

    685

    725

    209

     

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for May 2024

    August 02, 2024

    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*

    PRODUCT

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

    Crude Oil

    119,144,564 BBLS (barrels)

    3,843,373 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    907,474,673 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    29,273,376 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 - May 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

    PRODUCT

    UPDATED REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    Crude Oil

    138,990,538 BBLS

    113,851,974 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    1,041,241,051 mcf

    917,272,001 mcf

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CRUDE OIL (BBLS)

    1.

    MARTIN

    18,877,614

    2.

    MIDLAND

    16,003,053

    3.

    UPTON

    7,470,047

    4.

    HOWARD

    6,550,720

    5.

    LOVING

    6,315,128

    6.

    KARNES

    5,507,561

    7.

    REAGAN

    5,230,511

    8.

    GLASSCOCK

    5,162,390

    9.

    REEVES

    4,882,101

    10.

    WARD

    3,534,339

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    TOTAL GAS (MCF)

    1.

    WEBB

    80,938,499

    2.

    REEVES

    78,665,940

    3.

    MIDLAND

    68,046,088

    4.

    MARTIN

    48,129,827

    5.

    LOVING

    41,059,990

    6.

    CULBERSON

    37,845,431

    7.

    REAGAN

    34,506,205

    8.

    UPTON

    32,178,862

    9.

    PANOLA

    28,273,013

    10.

    LA SALLE

    28,138,723

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CONDENSATE (BBLS)

    1.

    REEVES

    6,572,922

    2.

    LOVING

    4,388,898

    3.

    CULBERSON

    3,286,017

    4.

    KARNES

    1,431,138

    5.

    DE WITT

    1,404,442

    6.

    WEBB

    1,365,416

    7.

    LIVE OAK

    873,029

    8.

    DIMMIT

    732,630

    9.

    LA SALLE

    580,292

    10.

    WARD

    427,336

     

July

  • RRC Commissioner Wright Highlights Issues with Federal Orphan Well Plugging Program In Testimony to Congress

    July 25, 2024

    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.

  • RRC Works with National Experts on Underground Injection

    July 11, 2024

    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.

                                                                                           

                                                                                            # # #

  • Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for April 2024

    July 10, 2024

    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*

    PRODUCT

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION

    Crude Oil

    112,811,542 BBLS (barrels)

    3,760,385 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    846,267,158 mcf (thousand cubic feet)

    28,208,905 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 - April 2023 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

    PRODUCT

    UPDATED REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    PRELIMINARY REPORTED TOTAL VOLUME

    Crude Oil

    134,304,924 BBLS

    108,989,942 BBLS

    Natural Gas

    1,002,983,877 mcf

    876,531,275 mcf

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CRUDE OIL (BBLS)

    1.

    MARTIN

    18,223,360

    2.

    MIDLAND

    16,466,683

    3.

    UPTON

    6,784,717

    4.

    LOVING

    6,052,563

    5.

    HOWARD

    5,784,479

    6.

    KARNES

    5,452,824

    7.

    REAGAN

    4,629,176

    8.

    GLASSCOCK

    4,627,393

    9.

    REEVES

    4,249,151

    10.

    WARD

    3,382,801

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    TOTAL GAS (MCF)

    1.

    REEVES

    75,399,765

    2.

    MIDLAND

    68,771,577

    3.

    WEBB

    57,880,853

    4.

    MARTIN

    47,841,394

    5.

    LOVING

    40,872,991

    6.

    CULBERSON

    38,060,966

    7.

    UPTON

    33,557,629

    8.

    PANOLA

    28,143,811

    9.

    REAGAN

    28,066,210

    10.

    HARRISON

    23,434,951

     

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

    RANK

    COUNTY

    CONDENSATE (BBLS)

    1.

    REEVES

    6,350,039

    2.

    LOVING

    4,426,706

    3.

    CULBERSON

    3,326,590

    4.

    WEBB

    1,364,254

    5.

    KARNES

    1,144,660

    6.

    DE WITT

    1,008,920

    7.

    DIMMIT

    830,423

    8.

    LIVE OAK

    828,178

    9.

    WARD

    428,528

    10.

    MCMULLEN

    413,748

                                                                                                                    ###

  • Texas Drilling Permit and Completion Statistics for June 2024

    July 08, 2024

    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/drilling-information/monthly-drilling-completion-and-plugging-summaries/

     

    TABLE 1 – June 2024 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

    52

    40

    22

    (2) REFUGIO AREA

    32

    37

    15

    (3) SOUTHEAST TEXAS

    4

    9

    8

    (4) DEEP SOUTH TEXAS

    9

    2

    29

    (5) EAST CENTRAL TX

    1

    1

    1

    (6) EAST TEXAS

    29

    9

    40

    (7B) WEST CENTRAL TX

    14

    6

    0

    (7C) SAN ANGELO AREA

    55

    86

    0

    (8) MIDLAND

    401

    309

    75

    (8A) LUBBOCK AREA

    26

    35

    0

    (9) NORTH TEXAS

    21

    6

    20

    (10) PANHANDLE

    4

    8

    0

    TOTAL

    648

    548

    210

     

                                                                                       # # #

     

  • RRC Launches Major Technology Project Streamlining Oil and Gas Filings

    July 02, 2024

    AUSTIN – This week marks another milestone in significant technological advancements at the RRC.

    The agency has launched State Tracking and Reporting (LoneSTAR), a project that further improves efficiencies at the agency to save time and resources for oil and gas operators as well as RRC staff.

    The first LoneSTAR release allows operators to make online filings for Form P-5, which are required to become, or renew as, an oil or gas operator or pipeline operator. P-5s are required in order to operate in Texas.

    Other forms associated with the P-5 process can also be filed online through LoneSTAR: Form W-3C, for Certification of Surface Equipment Removal for an Inactive Well; and Form W-3X, the Application for an Extension of Deadline for Plugging an Inactive Well. 

    LoneSTAR gives operators the ability to monitor the P-5 approval process online, fix any compliance issues related to filings in real-time, and view records online.

    The project not only reduces the extensive paperwork that operators were once required to send, it also streamlines the day-to-day review process by RRC staff.  

    “Overhauling the IT system at the Railroad Commission has been a top priority for me since I was first elected,” said RRC Chairman Christi Craddick. “The LoneSTAR launch marks a significant advancement to the way the agency interacts with operators and will improve the agency’s ability to prioritize health and safety for all Texans and the environment, while ensuring the state’s economic powerhouse can continue to thrive.”

    “LoneSTAR modernizes the agency’s information technology to ensure producers spend less time filling out bureaucratic forms and more time drilling for the reliable energy our state, nation, and world need,” said RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian. “The Commission is widely recognized as a global leader in energy regulation, and as Commissioner I want to make sure it retains that reputation by minimizing the regulatory burden on producers and building a 21st century agency that’s the envy of the world. I want to congratulate and thank all the RRC staff that worked so hard on this project.”

    “Innovation spurred the shale revolution, but it was efficient operations that ultimately resulted in America becoming the leading energy producer in the world,” said RRC Commissioner Jim Wright. “The launch of LoneSTAR will not only serve to improve our effectiveness here at the Railroad Commission, but will also reduce the paperwork burden for our Texas energy producers, allowing for greater efficiency in their day-to-day operations.”   

    Operators can view the announcement on using LoneSTAR at https://rrc.texas.gov/announcements/070124-rrc-launches-lonestar-for-forms-p-5-w-3c-and-w-3x-online-filing/.

    Future releases of LoneSTAR will include other oil and gas and environmental permitting processes.

  • RRC Commissioners Request Endangered Species Listing Challenge

    July 01, 2024

    AUSTIN – Despite numerous concerns relayed by Texas, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (DSL) as an endangered species.

    The listing’s impact on the most vital oil producing region in the nation – the Permian Basin – could be devastating, and RRC commissioners are taking steps to prevent that.

    At their recent open meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to request the Texas Attorney General’s office challenge the ruling.

    The DSL’s habitat is in the Permian Basin, which has more than 7,000 producing oil and gas fields in Texas. The endangered species listing will force operators to limit activities and could prohibit future development of energy operations.  

    In comments submitted last year, the RRC pointed out the Service’s speculative conclusions that the DSL is at risk of extinction were based on outdated scientific studies that do not reflect modern oil and gas production technology. In addition, the RRC expressed concern the Service did not base its determination utilizing actual populations of the DSL, but rather relied on habitat modeling.

    Also of great importance is the disregard of a major DSL conservation measure taken in Texas through a public-private partnership. Stakeholders including state agencies, oil and gas operators and landowners launched the Texas Conservation Plan in West Texas which significantly protects the lizards by establishing methods that prevent incidental destruction of DSL habitat during oil and gas operations.

    “The Biden administration doubled down on their attack of the oil and gas industry with their latest Endangered Species Act action,” said RRC Chairman Christi Craddick. “By ignoring the existing conservation plans made by state and industry leaders to protect potential Dunes Sagebrush Lizard habitat, the administration makes it clear that this is nothing more than a political game. I am proud to push back against these unscientific and irresponsible regulations and appreciate the Office of Attorney General for supporting our efforts.”

    “This doesn’t have a thing to do with ‘saving lizards’; it’s about shutting down U.S. oil and gas production to win political brownie points, which will only increase inflation and jeopardize billions of lives globally,” said RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a lizard, a chicken, a whale, or a unicorn, radical environmentalists won’t be satisfied until we all get out energy from firewood and are living in a cave again. To them, this is about ending fossil fuels to ‘better humanity’; which is ironic given fossil fuels allow mankind to flourish by powering 80% of the globe’s energy, manufacturing 96% of consumer products, and helping feed more than half the planet. Right now, the world needs more energy and more Texas oil and gas, and all this does is drive up prices and make it harder on consumers.”

    “Texas will certainly fight this most recent weaponization, which aims to shut down half the nation’s crude oil production and one-third of its natural gas production,” continued Christian. “Texans can rest assured that the RRC and other state agencies won’t lift a finger to help with this nonsense, because the Texas Energy Independence Act prohibits state agencies from facilitating any effort that would undermine Texas oil and gas production.”

    “President Biden and his administration care more about reptiles and junglefowl than they do about the energy needs of our nation,” said Commissioner Jim Wright. “If they cared half as much about single mothers struggling with rising inflation and higher energy bills as they care about this lizard, a lawsuit wouldn’t be necessary.”

    The referral to the Attorney General can be found here https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/2fvjmku1/rrc-dsl-oag-referral.pdf

June

  • Christian Applauds SCOTUS’ Overturning Chevron Deference to Rein in Radical, Unelected Bureaucrats

    June 28, 2024

    AUSTIN – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo empowered federal judges to use independent judgment in deciding whether a government agency has acted within its statutory authority. By overruling the 1984 Chevron USA v. Natural Resources Defense Council –also known as Chevron deference–the Court has ended the practice of federal courts deferring to the legal interpretations of government agencies. Following this historic ruling, Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian applauded the decision saying:

    “For years, liberal unelected government bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. have run roughshod over Americans. That ends now. Thanks to three SCOTUS justices appointed by President Trump, the problem has been fixed. Federal judges now have the authority to rein in runaway bureaucrats, who treat the Constitution like toilet paper and hand out red tape like its Halloween candy,” said Commissioner Christian. “The importance of overturning Chevron deference cannot be overstated. It’s a profound shift in law. After the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, this is the most consequential decision out of the court in years.” 

    Christian continued, “This is huge for Texas and other fossil fuel producing states, who must provide reliable energy to Americans and the world. Radical environmentalist administrations, like President Biden’s, hand over the ‘keys to the kingdom’ to federal agencies when Congress doesn’t give them the policies they want. I look forward to thoughtful judges dismantling many of the radical ‘green’ policies pushed by this administration that inhibit our domestic oil and gas production.” 

     

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    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 Expands Information for the Latest Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan

    June 27, 2024

    RRC commissioners approved the agency’s Fiscal Year 2025 Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan which includes added information to provide the public further insight on the agency’s work to protect the environment and Texans.

    The annual plans define the RRC’s strategic priorities for monitoring oil and gas activities and enforcing regulations across the state. They include the agency’s extensive field operations activities such as well inspections, orphaned well pluggings, and site remediations.  

    New to this year’s plan is information related to technical permitting, and RRC monitoring and enforcement activities performed by the Oil and Gas Division’s Technical Permitting and Administrative Compliance Units. One example is the compliance team established by the division in 2023 to focus on post-permitting compliance at surface waste management facilities regulated by the Environmental Permits Section.

    Also, for the first time, the RRC sought public feedback this year prior to developing the plan. Some of that input was used to develop priorities for monitoring and enforcement efforts in the plan, including providing more comprehensive flaring data, and evaluating difference methods to reduce orphaned wells older than 20 years.

    “We continue to utilize our staff’s expertise and the agency’s technological advancements to serve Texans and their communities,” said Danny Sorrells, RRC Deputy Executive Director and Oil and Gas Director. “The new monitoring and enforcement plan provides more information on how we plan to utilize those key resources for regulation as the Texas oil and gas industry continues to be a vital element of the state and U.S. economy.”

    The Fiscal Year 2025 Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan and a Spanish version of the plan can be found at https://rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/compliance-enforcement/enforcement-activities/.

     

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  • RRC Commissioners Assess Over $2 Million in Penalties

    June 25, 2024

    The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $2,626,403 in fines involving 606 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.

     

    Fine Amounts

    Fines Assessed from Master Default Orders

     

    $937,799.80

    Fines Assessed from Master Agreed Orders

     

    $1,688,604.00

    Total Fines Assessed at April 2024 Conference

    $2,626,403.80

     

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

     

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  • Christian Calls on Biden to End LNG Ban to Save Europe

    June 25, 2024

    Following recent reports that the Biden Administration’s federal moratorium on new liquified natural gas (LNG) export plants is prohibiting Ukraine from purchasing American LNG, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian slammed the administration’s policy and called on the president to rescind the ban.

    “This politically motivated ban is doing more than simply costing America economic activity— it’s jeopardizing our European allies and U.S. interests abroad,” said Commissioner Wayne Christian. “At a time when our allies need U.S. energy the most, President Biden is making it harder for them to access it. Ukraine’s deal for American LNG could be the leverage the West needs to gain an up