Texas Drilling Permits: Week of May 15–May 22, 2026 — RRC Activity Report
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) issued a total of 183 new drilling permits during the week of May 15–May 22, 2026. This report provides a snapshot of the week's activity, highlighting key counties, operators, and notable permit filings.
Midland County led the pack with a significant 30 permits issued, signaling continued robust activity in this core Permian Basin area. Other counties with substantial permit counts include Pecos with 11 permits, and Loving and Howard counties, each receiving 10 permits. Upton County saw 8 permits issued during the week.
Diamondback E&P LLC topped the operator list, securing 17 permits. Apache Corporation followed closely with 15 permits. Pioneer Natural Res. USA, Inc. received 9 permits, while Kinder Morgan Production Co LLC and EOG Resources, Inc. each obtained 8 permits. This distribution reflects a mix of both large and mid-sized players actively pursuing drilling opportunities across the state.
Several permits of interest were filed this week. Permit #915685, filed by VERACITY ENERGY LLC in Liberty County, and permits #915687 and #915688, filed by HIGHPEAK ENERGY HOLDINGS, LLC in Borden County, are among those to watch. Additionally, EOG Resources, Inc. filed permit #906786 in Gonzales County, and TRP OPERATING LLC filed permit #915649 in Reeves County. All of these permits have an estimated spud date of TBD.
WTI crude closed at $97.6/bbl, down $11.06 from the prior close, which may impact future drilling decisions.
Stay ahead of the curve with real-time access to Texas RRC drilling permit data. Learn more at downhole.digital