News | October 9, 2024

RRC Exceeds Major Performance Goals

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) continued its strong track record of surpassing high standards set by the Texas Legislature to help protect public safety and the environment.

The Legislature sets annual performance measures for state agencies, and in Fiscal Year 2024 the RRC extended its string of success meeting or exceeding those measures in regulating the oil and gas industry, intrastate pipelines, surface mining, and alternative fuels.

The annual goals the agency exceeded ranged from the number of orphaned wells plugged with state funds to the number of individuals certified who store and transport propane gas across Texas.

“The performance numbers are a reflection of our staff’s dedication to serve Texas,” said Danny Sorrells, RRC Deputy Executive Director. “We help ensure safe production and transportation of the abundant resources that Texas is blessed with, which not only helps meet the energy demand of our growing state, but national and international demand as well. The agency is also looking forward to the future as we work on implementing regulations for new energy resources authorized by the Legislature.”

Legislative goals the RRC exceeded in Fiscal Year 2024 include:

Category

Target

Achieved

Number of orphaned wells plugged with state funds

1,000

1,012

Number of abandoned pollution sites investigated, assessed or cleaned up with state-managed funds

400

450

Number of oil and gas well and facility inspections

355,000

461,350

Number of pipeline safety inspections

1,750

2,457

Number of coal mining permit actions processed

300

505

Number of Alternative Fuels qualifying examinations, licenses, certifications and registrations

33,000

43,591

Number of critical natural gas facility weatherization inspections

7,000

7,069

 

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. For more information, visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.

Source: Railroad Commission of Texas