Chevron Acquires West Texas Ranch in Settlement

Energy giant buys Antina Ranch after owner accused it of spilling toxic waste on the property.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Chevron Corp. has acquired a 22,000-acre ranch in West Texas called the Antina Ranch. The previous owner, Ashley Watt, had been engaged in a legal battle with Chevron, accusing the energy company of negligently spilling toxic water and crude oil on the property. The sale was recorded on February 3 by the Crane County Clerk, with the buyer listed as Crane Property Holdings, a company with the same address as Chevron's office in San Ramon, California. The sale price was not disclosed, as is typical under Texas law.

Why it matters

This acquisition represents a settlement between Chevron and the ranch owner over alleged environmental damage to the property. It highlights the ongoing tensions between energy companies and landowners in regions with active oil and gas production, as well as the legal challenges companies can face over spills and environmental contamination.

The details

According to public records, the sale of the Antina Ranch was recorded on February 3 by the Crane County Clerk. The buyer was listed as Crane Property Holdings, a company that shares the same address as Chevron's office in San Ramon, California. The previous owner, Ashley Watt, had been engaged in a legal battle with Chevron, accusing the energy company of negligently spilling toxic water and crude oil on the 22,000-acre property.

  • The sale of the Antina Ranch was recorded on February 3, 2026.

The players

Chevron Corp.

A major American oil and gas company headquartered in San Ramon, California.

Ashley Watt

The previous owner of the Antina Ranch in West Texas, who had been engaged in a legal battle with Chevron over alleged environmental damage to the property.

Crane Property Holdings

A company that shares the same address as Chevron's office in San Ramon, California, and was listed as the buyer of the Antina Ranch.

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The takeaway

This acquisition highlights the ongoing tensions between energy companies and landowners in regions with active oil and gas production, as well as the legal challenges companies can face over environmental issues like spills and contamination. The settlement between Chevron and the Antina Ranch owner suggests the company may have sought to resolve the dispute and acquire the property to avoid further legal battles.