Important Messages:

Veterans Day

In observance of Veterans Day, the Railroad Commission of Texas will be closed on Wednesday, November 11. Staff is available to respond to emergencies. For emergencies call toll-free at 844-773-0305.


Proposed Rule Amendments: §§ 3.15 and 3.58
The proposed amendments to rules §§ 3.15 and 3.58, related to Senate Bill 1150 (89th Legislative Session, 2025), have been posted for public comment. For more information, including an online comment form, please visit the RRC Proposed Rules page.

The RRC will host a hybrid public hearing to receive verbal comments, beginning at 10 a.m., on Friday, November 20, 2026. For more information, please visit the RRC's Public hearing announcement.

Surface Coal Mining & Exploration

One of the state's most abundant energy resources is a form of soft coal called lignite. Many lignite deposits lie close to the surface, easily reached with modern mining technology. In 1975, the Texas Legislature gave the Railroad Commission jurisdiction to regulate surface mining for coal and uranium. Companies mining coal/lignite in Texas must have a Commission permit and post a bond for each site they operate in the state. The goal of the coal mining regulations is that the mined land is returned to a condition that is as good as, or better than, it was before mining. Division field personnel make, at a minimum, monthly visits to mine sites, checking for compliance with coal mining regulations.

Surface Mining Programs

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