resilience. As the America250 milestone passes, the agency remains committed to advancing the energy foundation that will support the nation’s continued progress for generations to come.
for a discussion on energy regulation at the RRC headquarters on May 29.
The European Parliament’s delegation included seven elected members, including ITRE Chair Borys Budka, as well as committee staff and advisors.
The ITRE, responsible for European Union legislation related to energy, telecommunications and industry, sought insights from the Commission’s subject matter experts who regulate one of the world’s most dynamic energy economies.
“It was a privilege to welcome members of the European Parliament to Austin,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director. “Transatlantic partnership is essential to addressing modern energy challenges, and we are grateful for the delegation taking time to learn why the RRC is instrumental in maintaining Texas’ position as a global leader in responsible energy development.”
Following the presentation, representatives engaged RRC leadership in a robust conversation on several topics, with a keen interest in how Texas has streamlined permitting procedures for oil and gas wells and pipelines. They also discussed recent developments in
Already this year, the Commission has hosted multiple foreign visitors – including more than 30 members of the Argentine national legislature, government o cials, industry executives and municipal leaders during an AmCham Argentina visit, as well as Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre – further demonstrating the RRC’s role at the forefront of the global conversation on energy production and regulation.
RRC Begins Plugging on Coastal Orphaned Wells
The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) will use its decades of experience to tackle a series of di cult and complex orphaned wells in the coastal waters of Ba n Bay.
The six orphaned wells located in the Cayo del Grullo region of the bay, roughly 40 miles south of Corpus Christi, will be plugged by the Commission’s award-winning State Managed Plugging Program (SMP).
The abandoned gas wells will be plugged using funds from the $100M appropriated by the Texas Legislature last session to support emergency and technically challenging well plugging projects across the state where immediate action is required. These wells were observed by members of the local community to be leaking natural gas, prompting this response, which will include removing the well structure in addition to plugging.
The Commission is committed to protecting both public safety and the environment using a robust prioritization system, so that high-risk, high-priority wells are plugged first, protecting Texans from the most serious hazards.
This work is part of a broader operation in which the RRC and the Texas General Land O ce (GLO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) authorizing the Commission to plug wells in the areas of Ba n Bay, Humble Channel and Pita Island. The MOU also provides $3 million in funding from the GLO to support the project, which is anticipated to be completed later this year.
“Our substantial experience in managing unique well plugging operations gives us expertise that other agencies – and most importantly Texans – can rely on,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director. “The combination of the $100 million funding from the Legislature and GLO funding has given us the opportunity to be able to enact a permanent solution without sacrificing our plugging responsibility in other areas.”
Last year, the RRC was awarded the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) Chair’s Stewardship Award for Environmental Partnership in recognition of its leadership in a multi-stakeholder partnership to plug eight offshore orphaned wells in Matagorda Bay, one of the most complex offshore plugging and abandonment operations ever undertaken on orphaned wells in U.S. waters.
As of June 10, 2026, SMP has plugged 1,688 wells in fiscal year 2026, adding to the more than 47,000 wells the SMP has plugged across the state since 1984.
Staff from the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) District 3 O ce recently traveled offshore to review ongoing plug-and-abandonment activities, as well as the coordinated transfer of personnel
from workboats to the lift boat. The visit provided an opportunity to see firsthand the technical planning, operational discipline and collaborative effort required to conduct
CID Summer Weatherization Inspections Underway
The RRC’s Critical Infrastructure Division (CID) began its annual summer weatherization inspections this month. Summer inspections run from July through September to help keep natural gas flowing for electricity generation so Texans can rely on steady power during peak summer demand.
CID teams are reviewing heat-mitigation measures at key points in the natural gas supply chain, including pipelines that serve power plants and gas processing facilities. This work supports the state’s broader resiliency efforts and complements CID’s winter weatherization program and biennial Emergency Operations Plan reviews.
To support operators, CID also hosted two remote informational webinars this year, giving companies guidance on EOP submissions. These sessions, along
On June 24, 2026, staff from the Surface Mining and Reclamation Division (SMRD) and the O ce of General Counsel (OGC) participated in a One Agency, One Team field visit to the Calvert Mine in Robertson County. New hires and interns joined senior engineers, geologists and inspectors for a full-day, in-depth look at active surface mining and reclamation operations. Guided by the mining company’s environmental manager, the group toured the expansive site to observe mining equipment, lignite stockpiles and ongoing extraction activities.
A key highlight of the day was a drone inspection demonstration led by Robert MacNabb, SMRD Drone Program Project Manager. Using the Commission’s drone, attendees viewed the mine from above and saw how aerial inspections enhance both safety and e ciency in regulatory oversight.
For many participants, the scale and complexity of the operation were especially memorable. As OGC’s Andrew noted, “I was most impressed by the size of the equipment and the scale of the operation. In a way, it reminded me of children’s construction sites but with gargantuan excavators, bulldozers and dump trucks. I also enjoyed seeing the beauty of the reclaimed land.”
The visit provided valuable insight into the role of lignite mining in Texas’ electrical power generation, the RRC’s implementation of the Texas Coal Mining Regulations and the commitment Texas mining operators demonstrate to high-quality reclamation.
The Commission extends its appreciation to the Calvert Mine team for their hospitality and for supporting this hands-on learning opportunity.
See You in Austin: The 2026 RRC Regulatory Conference is Almost Here
The 2026 RRC Regulatory Conference is taking place this month, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Austin. With more than 1,000 registrations, this year’s conference is shaping up to be our largest yet. We’re excited to bring industry leaders together to strengthen the systems that keep Texas at the forefront of energy production.
Over three days, attendees will hear from 3 special guests at 2 keynote sessions, dive into 80 breakout sessions packed with regulatory updates and practical guidance while connecting with over 50 exhibitors highlighting tools, technology and services that support safe, e cient operations across the state. It’s one of the best opportunities of the year for operators to meet face-to-face with RRC experts, ask questions, share insights and stay ahead of the latest laws, rules and compliance procedures.
Registered to attend the conference? Use this link to download the conference mobile app from your app store:
If you would rather have all the convenience and information found on the conference mobile app without another download, visit the Attendee Hub website at this link:
Use the Attendee Hub app or website to build a personalized conference agenda, download breakout session presentations and connect with others at the conference.
Texas Energy on Track: Marking a Milestone
Texas Energy on Track, the Railroad Commission of Texas’ (RRC) o cial podcast, is celebrating one year of connecting Texans with the people and work behind the state’s energy regulation. Airing every other Wednesday across all major podcast platforms, the show has quickly become a valuable tool for transparency, education and public engagement.
Since its launch in June 2025, it has offered listeners a rare window into the expertise, daily operations and public service mission of one of Texas’ oldest and most influential regulatory agencies.
experts, district leadership and frontline staff.
Together, they provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Commission’s divisions and the day-to-day work that drives each one.
Texas Energy on Track brings clarity to the Commission’s work by breaking down complex regulatory processes, highlighting ongoing modernization efforts and showcasing the
The podcast also reinforces the RRC’s long standing mission, stewardship of natural resources, protection of public and community safety and support for economic vitality, in a format accessible to anyone with a phone and twenty minutes.
As the show enters its exciting second year, we invite you to join the thousands of listeners who have tuned in to learn more about how the RRC helps keep Texas Energy on Track!
In this episode of Texas Energy on Track, host Bryce Dubee and co-host Nick Kraynok talk with Gilbert Herrera, Field Operations Director for the Critical Infrastructure Division. The discussion includes what inspectors look for, how summer and winter inspections differ, the importance of critical facilities and more!
COMMISSIONERS’ CORNER
COMMISSIONER CHRISTIAN
Commissioner Wayne Christian attended the 2026 Republican Party of Texas Convention in June, where he met with statewide elected o cials, candidates and delegates to advocate for the state’s oil and natural gas industry. He also delivered remarks during the convention’s general sessions and at Senate caucus meetings, underscoring the sector’s role in the U.S. economy and national security. Christian said engagement with party leaders and grassroots delegates helps shape policy discussions and ensures energy issues remain a priority heading into Texas’ 90th legislative session next year.
Austin American-Statesman, Christian urged Austin leaders to reject proposed moratoriums on data center development, warning that such pauses would hinder economic growth, energy leadership and long-term infrastructure planning. He said Texas is already succeeding in pairing innovation with responsible regulation rather than restricting development to manage rising demand. With artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services driving higher electricity and water use, he called for continued dedicated power generation, the use of produced water and closed-loop water-cooling systems to drive responsible data center construction.
Christian also called for regulatory relief for small and marginal oil producers in a Washington op-ed, saying federal rules often fail to distinguish between family-owned operators and large multinational companies, placing disproportionate strain on independents. He said marginal wells are critical to rural Texas economies, affordable energy supplies and U.S. energy security and urged Congress to take action to reduce regulatory burdens and strengthen
COMMISSIONER CRADDICK
The Railroad Commission made headlines earlier this month with its announcement to begin plugging a series of di cult and complex orphaned wells in the coastal waters of Ba n Bay.
The Railroad Commission's work along our coast demonstrates an important part of our mission: protecting Texas communities and natural resources while maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship.
These wells present unique technical challenges due to their location and condition. Thanks to the expertise of our State Managed Plugging Program, the Commission can address these complex sites safely and effectively.
As noted in the original announcement, the Commission has already plugged nearly 1,700 orphaned wells this fiscal year, adding to the more than 47,000 wells plugged statewide since the program began in 1984.
Every orphaned well we plug helps protect Texans, safeguard the environment, and preserve public confidence in the responsible development of our state's energy resources.
At the Railroad Commission, we remain committed to addressing legacy challenges while ensuring Texas continues to lead the world in energy production and environmental responsibility.
Tues. August 18 | 9:30 AM
Join us in Austin at the William B. Travis Building or online by visiting the link
OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY RESOURCES
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ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
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