The Latest Breaking News from the Texas Railroad Commission

Jon Rosenthal says he and Bo French agreed to first major debate between Texas statewide candidates

The debate, which has not been confirmed by French, would be his first major public event since he attracted criticism over racist posts about UT students.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 25

Texas Railroad Commission 2026: What it does and who’s running in the race

The commission doesn't have anything to do with railroads. It regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry. Here’s where 2026 candidates Bo French, Jon Rosenthal and Arthur DiBianca stand.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 15

Karl Rove said he’ll break 30 years of only supporting Republicans to vote against “bigot” Bo French

Rove, a former adviser to President George W. Bush and longtime Texas GOP political consultant, made the comments at a private lunch in Austin, according to attendees.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 14

Renewable energy companies face little regulation in Texas. A state lawmaker wants to change that.

The legislation would put new requirements on wind and solar companies that oil and gas companies in Texas do not face.

The Texas Tribune · Apr 8, 2025

West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needs

Reps. Tom Craddick and Brooks Landgraf want to divert 10% of taxes collected on oil and gas production to help budget-strapped counties keep up with growth.

The Texas Tribune · Mar 25, 2025

Why oil and gas companies want state oversight for carbon dioxide injection

Environmentalists are worried the state — known for a lax approach to regulation — is not prepared for the added responsibility of regulating certain carbon capture projects.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 6, 2025

State oil regulator requests $100 million to tackle West Texas well blowouts

Abandoned wells in the Permian Basin are increasingly erupting with briney, polluted water. The Texas Railroad Commission says it needs emergency money to respond.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 1, 2024

Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission race

Incumbent Christi Craddick is touting the health of the Texas energy industry and its impact on the economy. Her top opponent says regulation on the commission is too lax.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 21, 2024

Ranchers reported abandoned oil wells spewing wastewater. A new study blames fracking.

An SMU study is the first scientific proof of a phenomenon local landowners have long warned was occurring.

The Texas Tribune · Aug 7, 2024

Texas Has ‘the Most Aggressive’ Well-Plugging Program in the U.S. So Why Is Its To-Do List So Long?

No state has punched more holes in its bedrock than the Lone Star State. The environmental risks are staggering, and so are the clean up costs

Capital & Main · May 30, 2024