Oil and gas drilling in Midland County is regulated by the Railroad Commission

Before drilling a well, operators must apply for a permit and show they have a valid mineral lease. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) is the state agency that approves these permits. The RRC focuses on protecting freshwater zones, preventing pollution, and making sure wells are properly plugged when production ends.

The RRC does not limit how close a well can be to a home in unincorporated areas — those are areas outside city limits. If you live in unincorporated Midland County, an operator can drill near your home as long as it follows RRC spacing and setback rules.

Midland County falls under the RRC's Oil and Gas District 8, and the district field office is here in town at 10 Desta Drive, Suite 500E, phone (432) 684-5581. That is the office that handles local well inspections and complaints. You can search permitted wells and production data at rrc.texas.gov, and if you have concerns about a specific operation near you, the District 8 office is who to call.