RRC surpasses 2024 performance goals for oil, gas, and safety inspections

(WO) — The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has exceeded key performance goals set by the Texas Legislature for Fiscal Year 2024, continuing its strong record of protecting public safety and the environment. The agency regulates the oil and gas industry, intrastate pipelines, surface mining, and alternative fuels.

Among the achievements, the RRC surpassed targets for plugging orphaned wells, conducting oil and gas facility inspections, and pipeline safety checks. For example, the RRC plugged 1,012 orphaned wells with state funds, exceeding the goal of 1,000, and conducted 461,350 oil and gas well inspections, far surpassing the target of 355,000.

"The performance numbers reflect our staff’s dedication to serve Texas," said RRC Deputy Executive Director Danny Sorrells. "We ensure the safe production and transportation of Texas' resources, meeting both state and international energy demands. As we look ahead, we're also preparing to regulate new energy resources authorized by the Legislature."

Key achievements include:

• Plugged 1,012 orphaned wells, surpassing the target of 1,000.
• Completed 2,457 pipeline safety inspections, exceeding the goal of 1,750.
• Investigated or cleaned up 450 abandoned pollution sites, above the target of 400.
• Processed 505 coal mining permit actions, exceeding the goal of 300.
• Completed 43,591 alternative fuels certifications and registrations, far above the target of 33,000.

Conducted 7,069 natural gas facility weatherization inspections, surpassing the goal of 7,000