All News
November
RRC Commissioners Assess Nearly $1 Million in Penalties
November 21, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $945,939 in fines involving 457 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety. Read More...
Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for October 2019
November 08, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 971 original drilling permits in October 2019 compared 1,149 in October 2018. The October 2019 total included 895 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 13 to re-enter plugged well bores and 63 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is 249 oil, Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for August 2019
November 07, 2019
AUSTIN –– Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for August 2019 came from 176,054 oil wells and 88,823 gas wells.
Read More...October
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $430,000 in Penalties
October 24, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $430,104 in fines involving 262 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
RAILROAD COMMISSION UPDATES COMMISSION LOGO TO REFLECT MODERN AGENCY
October 14, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), today unveiled updates to its logo that preserve the legacy of Texas’ oldest regulatory agency, while better reflecting its modern duties and responsibilities. Read More...
Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for September 2019
October 10, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 796 original drilling permits in September 2019 compared 974 in September 2018. The September 2019 total included 733 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 11 to re-enter plugged well bores and 52 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is 197 oil, 56 gas, 474 oil or gas, 59 injection, zero service and 10 other Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for July 2019
October 10, 2019
Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for July 2019 came from 175,101 oil wells and 89,068 gas wells.
Read More...RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $300,000 in Penalties
October 03, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $319,693 in fines involving 175 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Railroad Commission Alternative Fuels Sets Licensing Record in FY 2019 - Issues More than 7,300 Licenses
October 03, 2019
The Railroad Commission’s Alternative Fuels Licensing section set a record in Fiscal Year 2019 (Sept. 1, 2018 – Aug. 31, 2019) by issuing more than 7,300 licenses. Additionally, the Commission also set a record by registering almost 5,600 trucks to distribute liquefied petroleum gas (propane), compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG) in FY Read More...
RRC’s Austin Propane Training Facility Moving - Certification Classes & Exams End Oct. 2 & Resume Oct. 21 at New Site
October 02, 2019
Starting today, Oct. 2, certification classes and exams are no longer available at the Railroad Commission of Texas’ Austin Alternative Fuels Training Facility at 6506 Bolm Road. Classes and exams will resume Oct. 21 at the new Austin training facility located at 4044 Promontory Point.
Read More...Railroad Commission Launches New Interactive Statewide Maps - Provides Oil & Gas Production Data & Plugged Abandoned Well Locations
October 01, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas this week launches its first-ever interactive data maps providing oil and gas production and the locations of abandoned wells plugged by the Commission statewide and by individual counties. The data is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week beginning with Calendar Year 2018. From January 2019 forward, the maps will be updated each month Read More...
September
Railroad Commission Exceeds Goal for Cleanup of Abandoned Oilfield Sites - More than 400 Sites Assessed & Cleaned Up in FY 2019
September 27, 2019
The Railroad Commission in Fiscal Year 2019 (Sept. 1, 2018 – Aug. 31, 2019) assessed and cleaned up more than 400 abandoned oil field sites. This was more than double the performance measure goal set by the Texas Legislature to assess and clean up 188 abandoned sites in FY 2019.
Read More...Railroad Commission Conducts More than 133,000 Oil & Gas Inspections in FY 19 - Hires Record Number of Oil & Gas Inspectors
September 26, 2019
The Railroad Commission in Fiscal Year 2019 (Sept. 1, 2018 – Aug. 31, 2019) completed more than 133,000 oil and gas inspections, exceeding the Texas Legislature’s performance goal of 130,000 inspections for the fiscal year. The RRC’s Oil & Gas Division also filled a record number of 170 oil and gas inspector positions Read More...
Commissioner Ryan Sitton Speaks on Texas Energy Opportunities at Gulf Coast Industry Forum
September 24, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton gave the lunchtime keynote address at the Gulf Coast Industry Forum, which brought together cities, counties, port authorities and hundreds of energy industry professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the Gulf Coast energy industry. Read More...
Railroad Commission Exceeds Well Plugging Goals - Plugs More than 1,700 Abandoned Wells in FY 2019
September 20, 2019
The Railroad Commission in Fiscal Year 2019 (Sept. 1, 2018 – Aug. 31, 2019) plugged more than 1,700 abandoned wells. This exceeded the performance measure goal set by the Texas Legislature to plug 979 abandoned wells in FY 2019.
Read More...Railroad Commission Increases Pipeline Safety Inspections in FY 2019 - Hires Record Number of Pipeline Safety Inspectors
September 17, 2019
The Railroad Commission in Fiscal Year 2019 (Sept. 1, 2018 – Aug. 31, 2019) completed more than 4,800 pipeline safety inspections and issued more than 2,500 citations for violations. The RRC’s Pipeline Safety Department also filled a record number of pipeline safety inspector positions, reaching an all-time high of 69 for staff deployed statewide to ensure pipelines under the agency’s jurisdiction are constructed, operated and maintained in compliance with state and federal rules.
Read More...RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $450,000 in Penalties
September 16, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $459,784 in fines involving 177 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for August 2019
September 10, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 960 original drilling permits in August 2019 compared 1,110 in August 2018. The August 2019 total included 865 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, eight to re-enter plugged well bores and 87 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is 229 oil Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for June 2019
September 04, 2019
Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for June 2019 came from 177,420 oil wells and 89,539 gas wells.
Read More...August
CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN PASSES NATIONAL RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE GREEN NEW DEAL
August 28, 2019
The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) this week passed Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian’s (R – Texas) resolution urging the federal government to oppose the Green New Deal in the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Read More...RRC Receives National Energy Education Award For RRC OIL; Online Oil & Gas Inspection Query
August 26, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas is the winner of the 2019 Chairman’s Stewardship Award for Energy Education from the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission. Read More...
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $1.2 Million in Penalties
August 22, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,264,033 in fines involving 439 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.
Read More...Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for July 2019
August 16, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 912 original drilling permits in July 2019 compared 1,153 in July 2018. The July 2019 total included 836 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, eight to re-enter plugged well bores and 68 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is 212 oil, 58 gas, 537 oil or gas, 93 injection, three service and nine other permits.
Read More...Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for May 2019
August 14, 2019
Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for May 2019 came from 177,644 oil wells and 89,952 gas wells.
Read More...RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $800,000 in Penalties
August 08, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $864,689 in fines involving 270 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
ICYMI: Read Chairman Christian’s Facts About Flaring in This Week’s USA Today Op-ed
August 02, 2019
ICYMI, check out what Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian has to say about flaring in Texas oilfields this week in an op-ed published July 30 in USA Today.
Read More...July
Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for June 2019
July 10, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 1,001 original drilling permits in June 2019 compared 1,230 in June 2018. The June 2019 total included 905 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 10 to re-enter plugged well bores and 86 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for April 2019
July 05, 2019
Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for April 2019 came from 176,879 oil wells and 88,240 gas wells.
Read More...CHRISTIAN REQUESTS TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY ADD ENERGY CLUSTER TO CURRICULUM
July 01, 2019
Today, Chairman Wayne Christian penned a letter to Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath in support of creating an Energy Cluster Designation for Texas public schools. You can read the letter Read More...
June
RRC Commissioners Assess Nearly $1 Million in Penalties
June 20, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $939,780 in fines involving 288 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
CHRISTIAN ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE RAILROAD COMMISSION
June 18, 2019
At an open meeting of the Railroad Commission of Texas, Commissioner Wayne Christian was unanimously elected Chairman. Following the vote, Christian released the following statement:
Read More...Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for May 2019
June 12, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 1,050 original drilling permits in May 2019 compared 1,243 in May 2018. The May 2019 total included 931 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 17 to re-enter plugged well bores and 102 for re-completions of existing well Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for March 2019
June 10, 2019
AUSTIN –– Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for March 2019 came from 174,582 oil wells and 89,335 gas wells.
Read More...RRC Commissioners Assess Nearly $600,000 in Penalties
June 06, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $592,569 in fines involving 182 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Commissioner Ryan Sitton Releases 2019 Energy Market Outlook
June 05, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today released his 2019 Energy Market Outlook. The Outlook is an in-depth analysis of current global energy markets and predictions for the remainder of the year and into 2020. With more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, and as the first engineer to serve on the Commission in 50 years, Sitton has spent his career carefully studying global energy markets.
Read More...May
Chairman Craddick Applauds Legislature for Prioritizing Railroad Commission Funding - FY 2020-21 Budget Includes Additional Inspectors, IT Upgrades
May 28, 2019
Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick today thanked the 86th Texas Legislature for prioritizing the important role the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) plays in keeping the state’s citizens and natural resources safe. Read More...
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $300,000 in Penalties
May 23, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $301,069 in fines involving 163 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for April 2019
May 13, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 909 original drilling permits in April 2019 compared 1,221 in April 2018. The April 2019 total included 802 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 14 to re-enter plugged well bores and 93 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is 212 oil, 62 gas, 574 oil or gas, 45 injection, two service and 14 other Read More...
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $300,000 in Penalties
May 09, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $302,152 in fines involving 152 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Texas Mining Operator Receives Annual National Mine Reclamation Award - Creates Wildlife Habitat from Mined Acreage
May 06, 2019
A Texas coal company recognized by Railroad Commissioners for transforming mined acreage into wildlife habitat has now received a national award. The Interstate Mining Compact Commission selected the Sabine Mining Co. for its Annual National Mine Reclamation Award in the Coal Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for February 2019
May 03, 2019
Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for February 2019 came from 176,327 oil wells and 88,212 gas wells.
Read More...April
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $533,000 in Penalties
April 25, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $533,694 in fines involving 157 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Commissioner Ryan Sitton Addresses EarthX 2019
April 25, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton has a double-header speaking role at EarthX 2019. He will address the opening ceremony and deliver remarks on LNG exports. Both appearances occur on Friday.
Read More...Commissioner Sitton Addresses Bay Area Economic Partnership
April 25, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton spoke to the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Wednesday afternoon. Commissioner Sitton stressed the Bay Area’s critical and central role in Texas’ energy dominance. Commissioner Sitton also spoke on his goal of keeping energy reliable, affordable and as clean Read More...
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $203,000 in Penalties
April 12, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $203,375 in fines involving 150 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for March 2019
April 12, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas (Commission) issued a total of 1,137 original drilling permits in March 2019 compared 1,220 in March 2018. The March 2019 total included 1,005 permits to drill new oil or gas wells, 14 to re-enter plugged well bores and 118 for re-completions of existing well bores. The breakdown of well types for those permits is 315 oil, 69 gas, 688 oil or gas, 56 injection, one service and eight other permits. Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for January 2019
April 02, 2019
Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for January 2019 came from 175,056 oil wells and 89,379 gas wells.
Read More...ICYMI: RRC Op-Ed On 100 Years of Regulating Tx Oil & Gas
April 01, 2019
ICYMI: Yesterday, March 31, 2019 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Railroad Commission being given oversight of Texas’ oil and gas industry.
Read More...March
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $520,000 in Penalties
March 28, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $520,394 in fines involving 321 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for February 2019
March 08, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 961 original drilling permits in February 2019 compared 1,097 in February 2018. Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for December 2018
March 08, 2019
Crude oil and natural gas production as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) for December 2018 came from 179,434 oil wells and 89,562 gas wells. Read More...
February
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $589,500 in Penalties
February 28, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $589,537 in fines involving 199 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
RRC Chairman Craddick and PUC Chairman Walker Working to Ensure Availability of Natural Gas for Electric Service this Summer
February 27, 2019
Feb. 27, 2019, Austin, TX – In anticipation of high electricity demand across Texas this summer, key state agencies are taking steps now to enhance coordination between natural gas pipelines, natural gas-fueled electric generation plants, and the electric utilities that provide electric service to the pipelines, generation plants, and other customers. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) are working together to make sure gas-fueled power plants have the natural gas they need for electricity generation.
Read More...Railroad Commission of Texas Presents 2019 Reclamation Award - Sabine Mining Co. Creates Wildlife Habitat from Mined Acreage
February 26, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioners today awarded the Sabine Mining Co. the Commission’s 2019 Reclamation Award. The operator was recognized for restoring more than 3,400 contiguous acres of Harrison County, mined land into native grass habitat for bobwhite quail, grassland songbirds, Monarch butterflies, pollinating insects and Read More...
RRC Hosts Texas House Energy Resources Committee
February 25, 2019
Members of the Texas House of Representatives Committee on Energy Resources, chaired by Rep. Chris Paddie, visited the Railroad Commission’s Austin offices today for an agency tour and briefing on operations. Read More...
Chairman Craddick Welcomes Australian Delegation to Railroad Commission
February 12, 2019
AUSTIN - Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick today welcomed a delegation from Australia to the Railroad Commission headquarters in Austin.
Chairman Craddick explained to the group how the Texas Railroad Commission provides a sound regulatory foundation for the Texas energy industry while also protecting public safety and the environment.
Read More...RRC Launches New Feature on Public GIS Map Viewer - New Radius Tool Makes Well Info in Defined Area Faster to Access
February 12, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas’ Public Geographic Information System (GIS) Map Viewer can now display data for multiple wells in a defined radius area set by a user.
Read More...Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for January 2019
February 08, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 1,196 original drilling permits in January 2019 compared to 1,166 in January 2018. Read More...
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $355,000 in Penalties
February 07, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $355,976 in fines involving 202 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Texas Oil and Gas Production Statistics for November 2018
February 04, 2019
Production for November 2018 as reported to the Railroad Commission of Texas is 90,204,039 barrels of crude oil and 634,859,071 mcf (thousand cubic feet) of total gas from oil and gas wells. Read More...
Railroad Commission Launches “Boots on the Ground” Oil & Gas Inspector Training
February 04, 2019
Continuing its culture of learning, the Railroad Commission of Texas today launches its first-ever new inspector training school—"Boots on the Ground.” This training will focus on new oil and gas inspectors with less than two years tenure at the RRC. The school will ensure inspectors have a clear understanding of the agency’s inspection process, oil and gas rules and necessary technical knowledge to provide consistent enforcement Read More...
January
RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $1 Million in Penalties
January 25, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,206,465 in fines involving 290 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline Read More...
Railroad Commission Launches Texas’ First Online Searchable Database of Oil & Gas Inspection and Enforcement Data - RRC Online Inspection Lookup Available 24/7
January 23, 2019
Today, the Railroad Commission of Texas launched its RRC Online Inspection Lookup (OIL) tool for searching statewide oil and gas inspection and enforcement information, including notices of violation and intentions to sever leases. For the first time in RRC history, RRC OIL allows anyone, anywhere at any time to search online records of oil and gas well inspections and violations.
Read More...Commissioner Ryan Sitton Addresses Leaders in the Making at “Impact Pasadena”
January 11, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton spoke to aspiring leaders in government and business today at a Chamber of Commerce forum in Pasadena. Commissioner Sitton gave his ideas on leadership in government, community and business.
Read More...Commissioner Christian Rebuts Climate Catastrophists Call for Government Overregulation
January 10, 2019
A coalition of climate catastrophists, led by Environment Texas, sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott demanding immediate action to reduce emissions and combat what they claim is man-made climate change.
In response, Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian penned a letter to the Governor applauding him for his work on energy and environmental issues and the key role it has played in ensuring American energy dominance. Read More...Texas Drilling Permits and Completions Statistics for December 2018
January 09, 2019
The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 811 original drilling permits in December 2018 compared to 885 in December 2017. Read More...
Commissioner Ryan Sitton Welcomes New Staff Member
January 09, 2019
Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton today announced the addition of Bryan Preston to his Austin staff. Preston serves as director of public affairs. Read More...
Chairman Craddick Announces Staff Changes
January 02, 2019
Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick today announced Jason Modglin as the new Director of Public Affairs for the Chairman’s office. Read More...
