AUSTIN – To begin coordinated action against the rising threat of petroleum product theft in Texas, Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) Chairman Jim Wright presided over the inaugural meeting of the State Task Force on Petroleum Theft (STOPTheft) at RRC headquarters on October 29, 2025.
“Each of you were selected for the valuable expertise and insight you bring to this task force,” said Chairman Jim Wright. “Your work in the coming year and wealth of knowledge will play a pivotal role in protecting our precious Texas natural resources. I look forward to working together to accomplish the goals set forth under SB 494 and putting a STOP to oilfield theft.”
Established during the 89th Legislative Session by Senate Bill (SB) 494, STOPTheft unites representatives from across the state’s energy industry, as well as federal and local law enforcement, with the goal of studying and making recommendations to help combat petroleum theft in Texas. The task force’s duties include reviewing product theft laws and regulations in other U.S. jurisdictions as well as international laws; analyzing the impact of theft on state tax collections and long-term economic impacts; making recommendations on law enforcement training to combat petroleum product theft and preparing a report to submit to the Governor and the Legislature.
During the inaugural meeting, members reviewed the language of SB 494 and officially voted to approve the STOPTheft charter.
Discussion topics included strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and private operators, examining the impact of petroleum theft on state sales tax revenues, and determining how to identify and align existing theft data gathered by law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
A staggering 40% of oil and gas operators indicated that their operations have been impacted by theft in the past year, an increasingly sophisticated crime that has been linked to organized crime and foreign criminal syndicates, costing Texans millions of dollars in lost state revenue.
Under the leadership of Chairman Wright, the task force will continue to meet at least quarterly.
Oil & Gas
Critical Infrastructure
Pipeline Safety
Alternative Fuels
Surface Mining
Gas Services
Hearings
Legal
Public Engagement
