In 1984, while Ronald Reagan was securing a landslide reelection and Apple introduced the Macintosh, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) last updated the state’s primary oil and gas waste regulations. Now, 4 decades later, the RRC is revisiting these rules to better align them with modern industry practices and rising demands for stronger environmental protections.
Oil and gas extraction methods have evolved dramatically since the 1980s. Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have sparked a production boom, significantly increasing both the volume and complexity of waste generated. This waste includes drilling fluids, fracturing chemicals, and produced water—all of which, if mishandled, pose serious risks to soil, water, and public health.
While most oil and gas wastes are exempt from federal hazardous waste laws under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, states maintain broad authority to regulate their disposal and management. In Texas, the RRC oversees this responsibility. However, increasing environmental concerns and evolving industry practices have driven calls for regulatory updates, resulting in the recent revisions in the RRC’s rules.
Key Changes in the New Rules
The new rules, published in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) on 3 January 2025, reflect a multiyear effort by the RRC to modernize waste management, encourage and expand recycling, and strengthen groundwater protections. These changes aim to balance industry needs with environmental stewardship, though their effect will depend on implementation and enforcement when they take effect on 1 July 2025.
The Journal of Petroleum Technology, the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ flagship magazine, presents authoritative briefs and features on technology advancements in exploration and production, oil and gas industry issues, and news about SPE and its members.
ISSN: 1944-978X (Online)
ISSN: 0149-2136 (Print)