RRC's Wayne Christian highlights rising Texas rig count, upstream hiring
(WO) – Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian on Thursday applauded nation-leading Texas oil production growth, citing new data showing continued strength in Texas drilling activity and steady employment gains in the upstream sector.
The market is sending a clear signal,” Christian said. “Stronger demand is driving renewed production and job growth across the oil industry. When producers have confidence in demand, production grows, which strengthens communities, supports energy security, and fuels opportunity.”
According to Baker Hughes, active U.S. oil-directed drilling rigs rose by 10 to 425 last week, with all of the gains occurring in Texas. The jump represents the largest weekly increase in more than four years and underscores the state’s continued leadership in upstream production growth. The rise also signals renewed momentum in drilling activity amid improving market conditions.
Separately, citing the latest Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) highlighted that Texas upstream oil and natural gas employment increased by 400 jobs in April, following a gain of 1,800 jobs in March, reinforcing a clear upward trend in sector hiring.
“These increases provide a direct economic injection to the Texas economy,” Christian explained. “Rising oil and gas activity drives job growth, boosts production, and expands royalty payments for landowners, while generating critical revenue for schools, roads, and essential public services.”
TIPRO, citing data from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, also reported that the state’s oil and natural gas industry generated more than $1.715 billion in oil production tax revenue between January and April 2026. Natural gas production taxes added another $773 million during the same period, helping fund public education, higher education, transportation infrastructure and other essential state services.
Christian also added that the latest data underscores the resilience of Texas energy producers and the importance of pro-growth energy policies as electricity demand continues to rise across the state.
“Whether powering the nation’s fastest-growing economy, homes, manufacturing or data centers, the answer is producing more reliable, affordable Texas energy,” Christian said. “Texas has the resources, workforce and infrastructure to meet its growing energy needs.”
