Texas RRC levies $1.4 million in enforcement penalties for oil, gas operators

(WO) - The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has assessed more than $1.4 million in enforcement penalties against oil and gas operators and related businesses, reinforcing regulatory oversight across the state’s upstream and pipeline sectors.

At its latest open meeting, commissioners approved a total of $1,423,693 in fines tied to violations of state rules governing oil and gas operations and intrastate pipeline safety. The RRC maintains primary jurisdiction over Texas’ upstream industry, including drilling, production and pipeline compliance.

Of the total penalties, $204,878 were issued through master default orders involving operators that failed to appear at enforcement proceedings, while $1,218,815 were assessed through agreed orders requiring companies to address violations and return to compliance with commission regulations.

The enforcement actions cover a range of compliance issues across Texas’ oil and gas sector. In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, the decisions outlined in the final orders will stand as issued, the commission said.

The latest fines underscore continued scrutiny by Texas regulators as activity levels remain elevated across key producing basins and pipeline corridors.