The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has recently imposed over $1.4 million in penalties on oil and gas operators for violations. These penalties were assessed during the June 2025 Commissioners’ Conference, with a total of $1,423,831.00 levied across various enforcement dockets according to The Railroad Commission of Texas.
Utilizing scientific and engineering analysis, the Railroad Commission of Texas has issued new guidelines that further strengthen permitting of disposal wells in the Permian basin.
In order to further enhance the integrity of the underground disposal of produced water, new requirements will be implemented for saltwater disposal well (SWD) permit applications in the region. Produced water is a byproduct of oil and gas production and is injected into SWDs.
The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $1,346,019 in enforcement docket fines against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ open meeting on Wednesday.
After extensive reviews of public comments and stakeholder input, the Railroad Commission of Texas has adopted a significant overhaul of rules regulating oil and gas waste management facilities in Texas. RRC Commissioners voted to adopt the new regulations at their open meeting today.
Matt Cope has joined the agency as Director of Government Relations. Cope previously worked for the University of Texas at Tyler as the Associate Vice President for Government Relations. His prior experience also includes work as a policy advisor in the Texas Senate and the Governor’s Office, and as a legislative aide in the Texas House of Representatives. He also spent some time as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service.