RRC Completes Digitization of 100 Million Records
February 02, 2026AUSTIN – 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:
About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.