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Oil & Gas

Regulating the exploration, production, & transportation of oil and natural gas in Texas

Oil & Gas ANNOUNCEMENTS

Notice to Oil & Gas and Pipeline Operators

Winter Weather Outlook

January 20, 2026

The National Weather Service is predicting a significant winter weather event in Texas beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend. Heavy winter precipitation is possible, with the first round expected late Friday as a strong cold front moves into the state. Much colder air will spread from north to south overnight, with the greatest impacts expected across the central half of Texas.

Many areas may experience lows in the teens and single digits, with wind chill values dropping into the single digits across much of the state. Similar conditions are expected to continue through the weekend.

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) advises all operators under the RRC’s jurisdiction in areas of potential impact to take the following actions:

  • Monitor local, state and national weather reports for updates on potential severe weather impacts;
  • Heed all watches, warnings and orders issued by local emergency officials;
  • Secure all personnel, equipment and facilities to prevent injury or damage; and
  • Monitor and prepare operations for potential impacts, as safety permits.

The RRC maintains a 24-hour, toll-free emergency line, 844-773-0305, to report emergencies, including leaks or spills and damage to gas pipelines.

In addition, the RRC advises all operators to monitor road conditions during the weather event. Operators can find weather emergency resources including road conditions, TxDOT live traffic cameras and weather advisories and warnings https://www.rrc.texas.gov/weather.

 

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Overview

Oil & Gas Overview PDF

Printable Overview

What we do

The Railroad Commission, through its Oil and Gas Division, regulates the exploration, production, and transportation of oil and natural gas in Texas. Its statutory role is to:

  1. prevent waste of the state's natural resources,
  2. protect the correlative rights of different interest owners,
  3. prevent pollution, and
  4. provide safety in matters such as hydrogen sulfide.

The division accomplishes these goals by permitting and reporting requirements; by field inspections, testing programs and monitoring industry activities in the field; and through programs to remediate abandoned wells and sites through the use of fees and taxes paid by industry.
The Oil and Gas Division is headquartered in Austin, Texas with nine district offices spread over the state.

Drilling Permit Processing Time
as of March 7th, 2025

Expedited Permits: approximately 2
Business days
Standard Permits: approximately   4
Business days

Tips on submitting a problem-free drilling permit.



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