Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 01–July 08, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 01–July 08, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) reported a robust week of regulatory activity for the period of July 01 through July 08, 2026, with a total of 227 new drilling permits issued across the state. This surge in permitting coincides with a notable uptick in commodity prices, as WTI crude closed the week at $73.95 per barrel, reflecting an increase of $5.26 over the prior close. For E&P firms, landmen, and oilfield service providers, this data signals continued operational momentum in the Permian Basin and beyond.

Permian Basin activity remains the primary driver of state-wide permitting volume. Andrews County led the state this week with 22 new permits, followed closely by Upton and Reeves counties, which each recorded 18 permits. Winkler County also saw significant interest with 17 new filings, while Midland County rounded out the top tier with 12 permits. These figures underscore the ongoing technical focus on core acreage within the Delaware and Midland basins.

Operator activity was dominated by major players looking to capitalize on current market conditions. COG Operating LLC topped the list with 22 permits, closely followed by Diamondback E&P LLC with 19. Continental Resources, Inc. secured 15 permits, while Pioneer Natural Res. USA, Inc. and Mewbourne Oil Company added 14 and 10 permits, respectively. Keeping track of these operator movements is critical for supply chain logistics and service deployment, which is why many industry professionals rely on DownHole Digital to monitor these RRC filings in real time.

Beyond the Permian, specific high-priority activity was noted in Washington County. Magnolia Oil & Gas Operating LLC filed five permits—numbered 916896, 916897, 916899, 916900, and 916901—indicating potential development plans for the area. While these permits currently hold a score of 0 with estimated spud dates yet to be determined, they represent a strategic point of interest for operators monitoring regional expansion outside of the traditional West Texas hubs.

As WTI crude prices continue to show volatility and upward pressure, the ability to track these permit trends as they are filed is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Whether you are managing drilling schedules, evaluating leasehold potential, or planning equipment mobilization, having access to the latest RRC data allows for more informed decision-making in an evolving market. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, DownHole Digital provides the granular, up-to-the-minute data required to track these permit trends as they happen.

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