Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated by RRC District 7B

Oil was first discovered in Stonewall County in 1938. Production grew significantly after World War II. According to the Handbook of Texas, cumulative production reached roughly 226 million barrels by 1991. If you are buying land here, it is important to find out whether mineral rights are included or have been severed from the surface. Many older tracts in West Texas have split ownership — the surface owner and the mineral owner can be different people.

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) oversees all oil, gas, and pipeline activity in the state. Stonewall County falls under RRC District 7B, with the district office in Abilene. You can search well locations, permits, and production data by county on the RRC's public GIS map at rrc.texas.gov. If you have concerns about an active well near your property, the Abilene district office is your contact point.