Texas Drilling Permits: Week of May 29–June 05, 2026 — RRC Activity Report
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) reported a steady pace of upstream activity for the week of May 29 through June 05, 2026, with a total of 230 new drilling permits issued across the state. This sustained permitting volume comes as WTI crude prices continue to show resilience, trading at $92.66 per barrel, an increase of $0.50 over the prior close. For E&P firms and oilfield service providers, this data signals a continued focus on core acreage development in the Permian and Eagle Ford basins.
Midland County continues to lead the state in permit volume, recording 37 new filings this week. The Delaware Basin remains a primary focal point for operators as well, with Loving County securing 23 permits and Reeves County following with 17. South Texas activity remains consistent, with Karnes County reporting 16 new permits, while Glasscock County rounds out the top five with 14 permits. Keeping track of these filings as they occur is essential for supply chain planning and land management, a task that DownHole Digital streamlines by monitoring RRC permit activity in real time.
Operator activity during this period was dominated by major players. Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. led the field by a significant margin, securing 46 permits. EOG Resources, Inc. followed with 24 permits, while Anadarko E&P Onshore LLC maintained a strong presence with 20 filings. Marathon Oil EF LLC accounted for 12 permits, and Admiral Permian Operating LLC rounded out the top five operators with 9 new permits.
Among the week’s filings, Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. dominated the high-priority list in Midland County. Specifically, permits #915991, #915992, #915994, #915995, and #915996 were filed for Midland, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in the heart of the Permian. While the estimated spud dates for these specific wells are currently TBD, their filing underscores the methodical approach major operators are taking to replenish their drilling inventory in high-yield zones.
For oilfield professionals, these permit trends offer a reliable leading indicator of where capital expenditure will be directed in the coming months. As the market reacts to the current $92.66/bbl price environment, the concentration of permits in Midland, Loving, and Reeves counties reinforces the industry’s reliance on established shale plays. Accessing this data through platforms like DownHole Digital ensures that land departments and service providers remain ahead of the curve, allowing for more precise operational scheduling and resource allocation. As the RRC continues to process these applications, stakeholders should monitor these key counties for upcoming rig mobilizations and infrastructure development.
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