Oil and gas wells in Gregg County are regulated by the Railroad Commission

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), despite its name, regulates oil, gas, and pipeline operations, not trains. It oversees well permits, production reporting, pipeline safety, and plugging of old wells. Gregg County sits over part of the East Texas Oil Field, one of the most productive oil fields in U.S. history. Active and abandoned wells are common across the county.

If you buy rural land in Gregg County, check the RRC's online well search (rrc.texas.gov) to see if there are any active or plugged wells on the property. Mineral rights may be severed from surface rights, meaning someone else may own the oil and gas under your land. Always confirm mineral ownership in a title search before buying. The RRC also tracks orphaned wells that may need plugging.