Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated by the Railroad Commission

Despite the name, the Texas Railroad Commission does not regulate railroads. It oversees oil, gas, and pipeline activity across Texas. Terrell County has had oil and gas production since a gas field was discovered there in 1957. If you own land in Terrell County, mineral rights may be separate from your surface rights — meaning someone else could own the right to drill under your property.

Before buying rural land, check whether the mineral rights are included in the sale. You can search for wells, production records, and permitted operators in Terrell County using the RRC's free online tools at rrc.texas.gov. The RRC also has rules that protect water wells from oil and gas drilling through its Groundwater Advisory Unit.