The Latest Breaking News from the Railroad Commission

Texas regulators limit oil and gas disposal wells in bid to reduce earthquakes in West Texas

Injecting saltwater back into the ground “is likely contributing to recent seismic activity,” the Railroad Commission of Texas has said.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 10, 2024

Midland settles with company to drill wastewater wells near the city’s drinking water supply

The city initially protested Pilot’s applications to drill the wells close to its water supply.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 6, 2024

Oil and Gas Wastewater Spills Pollute the Lone Star State

Pollution from energy sector spills impacts soil, contaminates water resources and kills wildlife while the state resists new regulations.

Texas Observer · Dec 18, 2023

Oilfield companies helped to craft Texas’ new waste rules for 2 years before the public got to see them

The effort to update the state’s oilfield waste disposal rules was initiated by Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright, one of the state’s top oil and gas regulators who has investments in the industry.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 4, 2023

Texas’ Methane Waste Accelerates Climate Change While Squandering State Revenue

Environmental groups fault the Railroad Commission for lax oversight, warn of health impacts.

Capital & Main · Aug 15, 2023

For Texans, fighting state-regulated oilfield waste dumps can be a costly, do-it-yourself effort

Some Texans who challenge oil and gas waste sites must spend significant sums and time on investigating what they say the Texas Railroad Commission should examine. Will new regulations for handling waste increase oversight or just maintain the status quo?

The Texas Tribune · Aug 15, 2023