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AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,423,693 in enforcement docket fines against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ open meeting 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 Counsel web page.  

Below is a summary table of fines assessed.

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

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 727 original drilling permits in January 2026. The total includes 673 to drill new oil or gas wells, 10 to re-enter plugged wellbores, 1 field transfer, 42 for re-completion and 1 reclass.

The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in January 2026 is: 78 oil, 47 gas, 567 oil and gas, 29 injection, 4 service and 2 other permits.

In January 2026, Commission staff processed 1,134 oil, 374 gas, and 166 injection 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/

JANUARY 2026 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

*A district map is available on the Railroad Commission of Texas website at https://rrc.texas.gov/media/3bkhbut0/districts_color_8x11.pdf.

AUSTIN –– Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for November 2025 reported in the tables below came from 157,813 oil wells and 83,966 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 - November 2025 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

* 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 - November 2024 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

TABLE 3 – November 2025 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 4 – November 2025 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 5 – November 2025 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

AUSTIN – On January 27, Governor Greg Abbott instructed all Texas state agencies to halt new H-1B visa petitions and review their existing involvement in the federal program. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) does not sponsor H-1B visas and will not sponsor them in the future.

RRC Commissioners and the agency strongly support President Trump’s America First policies and American energy independence and security. The agency’s skilled and dependable American workforce helps maintain a stable, predictable regulatory environment that keeps Texas energy strong and secure. RRC proudly employs over 130 veterans, one of the highest veteran workforce percentages among all Texas state agencies. This reflects the Commission’s dedication to honoring those who served our country.

The agency supports Governor Abbott’s efforts to keep the Texas economy thriving for both workers and employers, and it takes pride in Texas being a leading destination for hardworking job seekers and entrepreneurs.

Governor Abbott’s full directive can be found here.

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) began 2026 by surpassing a major milestone: digitizing more than 100 million oil and gas records.

This monumental effort by the Commission's Central Records office is a direct reflection of the agency's commitment to improved transparency and efficiency. 

With nearly a century’s worth of documents digitized and available online, researchers will be able to access the 100,205,204 files from anywhere in the world rather than having to travel to the RRC headquarters in Austin. This includes a wide variety of documents, such as oil and gas well records, hearing files, permits and reports - all routinely used by researchers, landowners, energy companies and public information requesters.

In addition, this improves the efficiency of RRC Central Records staff, who are able to focus on larger and more complex records research requests, improving overall response time and saving man hours.

“Digitizing 100 million records represents a significant achievement in the Railroad Commission’s ability to better serve Texans, streamlining access to our vast library of files and continuing to expand our modernization efforts,” said Wei Wang, Executive Director of the RRC.

These accomplishments are part of a broader effort to enhance the Commission’s digital capabilities, building on its agency-wide achievements in efficiency to support responsible energy production and to protect Texans and the environment. Other recent improvements include the use of new online tools like the Online Inspection Lookup (RRC OIL) and the Pipeline Inspection Permitting and Evaluation System (PIPES). These cloud-based systems allow operators to file applications and reports electronically and enable 24/7 public access to inspection and violation data.

Records that have been digitized can be found on the RRC’s website at:

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/resource-center/research/research-queries/imaged-records/imaged-records-menu/

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas issued a total of 504 original drilling permits in December 2025. The total includes 464 to drill new oil or gas wells, 8 to re-enter plugged wellbores, and 32 for re-completion.

The breakdown of well types for total original drilling permits in December 2025 is: 79 oil, 51 gas, 347 oil and gas, 20 injection, 1 service and 6 other permits.

In December 2025, Commission staff processed 1,117 oil, 471 gas, and 307 injection 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/

DECEMBER 2025 TEXAS OIL AND GAS NEW DRILLING PERMITS AND COMPLETIONS BY RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS DISTRICT*

*A district map is available on the Railroad Commission of Texas website at https://rrc.texas.gov/media/3bkhbut0/districts_color_8x11.pdf.

AUSTIN – Railroad Commission Chairman Jim Wright, Commissioner Christi Craddick and Commissioner Wayne Christian would like to thank the frontline oilfield workers, first responders, linemen and all those who worked tirelessly across Texas during Winter Storm Fern to keep the state operational. Because of their efforts, the Texas natural gas supply chain remained stable throughout the event, delivering critical fuel to homes and power generators.

During the event, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) actively supported industry partners by conducting daily meetings to oversee field operations and provide guidance to essential infrastructure operators. The agency also maintained a continuous, 24/7 presence at the State Operations Center, collaborating closely with partner agencies to support response efforts and facilitate an adequate natural gas supply to keep Texans safe this winter season.

The RRC will continue its critical infrastructure inspections throughout the remainder of the winter to help ensure the reliability and safety of Texas’ energy system. We remain committed to working alongside industry and state partners to maintain critical facilities and keep energy flowing, regardless of conditions.

“Texas’ response to the recent winter storm shows how much the state has improved over the past five years. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made through the efforts of Texas energy producers, pipeline operators, and RRC staff who put in the work to weatherize and prepare our infrastructure. Because of them, we were able to help ensure homes stayed warm and the electric grid remained stable during Winter Storm Fern.”

— Jim Wright, Railroad Commission Chairman

“Texas’ energy system is strongest when preparation meets execution, and that’s exactly what we saw during this winter weather event. Thanks to the dedication of frontline workers and the close coordination between the Railroad Commission, industry, and our state partners, natural gas continued flowing to homes and power generators when Texans needed it most. Our focus remains on vigilance, reliability, and ensuring critical infrastructure performs under any conditions.”

— Christi Craddick, Railroad Commissioner 

“While a winter storm bore down on Texas, thousands of workers were out in the cold, around the clock, making sure oil and natural gas kept flowing. Because of their grit, professionalism, and sacrifice, millions of families were able to stay warm, safe, and secure in their homes. These men and women are the backbone of our energy system, and Texas owes them a debt of gratitude.”

— Wayne Christian, Railroad Commissioner 

For more information on weather emergency resources, please visit rrc.texas.gov/weather.

AUSTIN –– Statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for October 2025 reported in the tables below came from  157,228 oil wells and 84,019 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 - October 2025 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION*

* 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 - October 2024 STATEWIDE PRODUCTION

TABLE 3 – October 2025 TEXAS TOP TEN CRUDE OIL PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 4 – October 2025 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL GAS (GAS WELL GAS & CASINGHEAD) PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

TABLE 5 – October 2025 TEXAS TOP TEN TOTAL CONDENSATE PRODUCING COUNTIES RANKED BY PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas begins the new year with the next edition of its series of virtual Listening Sessions.

Taking place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from noon to 1:30 p.m. CST, the session will provide the public with another opportunity to share their perspectives on the RRC’s role as the state’s oldest regulatory agency. Residents from across Texas are encouraged to participate. 

The virtual sessions, occurring every other month, are organized by the Office of Public Engagement and will feature an overview of the Commission’s regulatory functions followed by an opportunity for participants to provide comments and ask questions during a brief Q&A session with RRC subject matter experts. Registration is required for participation and commenting.

More than 30 members of the public participated in the inaugural Listening Session held in November, asking questions on a variety of topics ranging from orphaned well plugging to drilling permits. The remote program is a part of the RRC’s continuous commitment to inform and involve Texans in the vital work of the Commission. 

Event details

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from noon to 1:30 p.m. CST.

Format: These sessions will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. A dial-in option will also be available for convenience. A Spanish language option will also be available for registrants.

Registration: Texans can register in advance using the link below.

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/30e58bf4-c334-4c69-ab59-853c7a157dc5@a3b01f75-ff4a-4001-9d68-9ba9ec5ea0bc

For more information or access to the FAQ sheet, please visit: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/public-engagement/listening-sessions-faq/ or email Scott Sroufe, Director of the Office of Public Engagement, at Scott.Sroufe@rrc.texas.gov.