Oil and Gas Activity in Pecos County

Pecos County has had oil and gas production since the Yates oilfield opened in 1926. When you buy land, surface rights and mineral rights can be owned by different people. The person who owns the minerals can lease them to a company, and that company can drill — even if you own the surface. Before you buy, ask a title company or attorney whether the mineral rights come with the land.

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) oversees oil and gas drilling permits in the state. Pecos County falls under RRC District 08, served by the Midland office. You can search drilling permits and active wells for any county on the RRC website. This is useful if you want to see how close existing wells are to a property you are considering.