Texas Railroad Commission Seeks Public Input on Monitoring Plan

The deadline to submit feedback on the agency's annual oil and gas oversight strategy is April 16.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:37pm

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The Railroad Commission of Texas is calling on the public to provide input as the agency develops its annual Oil and Gas Division Monitoring and Enforcement Strategic Plan. The plan outlines the commission's goals and activities for overseeing the state's oil and gas industry to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Why it matters

The Railroad Commission is the primary regulator of the oil and gas industry in Texas, and its annual monitoring and enforcement plan is a key document that shapes the agency's oversight activities. Public input helps ensure the plan addresses the concerns of impacted communities and other stakeholders.

The details

The commission is seeking feedback on two main goals for the Fiscal Year 2027 plan: accurately demonstrating the agency's monitoring and enforcement work, and strategically using its resources to protect public safety and the environment. The public can submit comments by email or mail by the April 16 deadline.

  • The deadline to submit public comments is 5 p.m. on April 16, 2026.

The players

Railroad Commission of Texas

The state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry in Texas, including overseeing issues related to oil, gas, waste pits, waste management, and underground injection.

Commission Shift

A nonprofit organization that advocates for increased transparency and public accountability at the Railroad Commission.

Jonathan Warren

The senior organizing manager at Commission Shift.

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What they’re saying

“This is a good time for the public to tell the commission what datasets they would like the commission to post online, or specific ways that the commission could do a better job monitoring for compliance.”

— Jonathan Warren, Senior Organizing Manager

“If you are directly impacted by oil and gas development, we highly encourage customizing the sign-on letter to share stories about interactions with the Railroad Commission and what you would have liked to be different. Include any of your suggestions for an improved experience for the public. If you haven't been directly impacted, you can share your ideas on how to create a more transparent, accessible agency that is responsive to the public.”

— Commission Shift

What’s next

The Railroad Commission will review the public comments and incorporate feedback into the development of its Fiscal Year 2027 Oil and Gas Division Monitoring and Enforcement Strategic Plan.

The takeaway

The Railroad Commission's annual monitoring and enforcement plan is a critical document that shapes the agency's oversight of the oil and gas industry in Texas. By providing public input, community members and other stakeholders can help ensure the plan addresses their concerns and priorities around public safety and environmental protection.