Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 02–July 09, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 02–July 09, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) reported a robust week of activity for the period of July 02 through July 09, 2026, with a total of 269 new drilling permits issued across the state. This increase in permitting activity aligns with a strengthening market, as WTI crude prices closed at $74.01 per barrel, marking a significant upward movement of $5.46 compared to the prior close. For E&P firms, land departments, and oilfield service providers, this data serves as a critical indicator of regional development trends and capital deployment.

Permit activity remained heavily concentrated in the Permian Basin, which continues to drive the majority of Texas’s upstream production. Andrews County led the state this week with 30 new permits, followed by Reeves County with 21. Rounding out the top five most active counties were Upton with 19 permits, Midland with 18, and Winkler with 17. These figures highlight the ongoing focus on core acreage within the Midland and Delaware basins, where operators are maintaining steady development schedules despite broader market volatility.

On the operator side, activity was dominated by several major players. COG Operating LLC topped the list with 24 new permits, closely followed by Pioneer Natural Res. USA, Inc. with 23. Diamondback E&P LLC secured 20 permits, while Continental Resources, Inc. and Mewbourne Oil Company rounded out the top five with 15 and 13 permits, respectively. Keeping track of these operator movements in real time is essential for oilfield service companies looking to align their equipment and personnel logistics with upcoming spud schedules. DownHole Digital provides the necessary intelligence to monitor these permit filings as they occur, ensuring that stakeholders stay ahead of industry developments.

Beyond the Permian activity, the RRC also processed several high-priority permits in other regions. Magnolia Oil & Gas Operating LLC filed five notable permits in Washington County (Permit #916896, #916897, #916899, #916900, and #916901). While these permits currently show a score of zero and have estimated spud dates yet to be determined, they represent important exploratory or development interests for Magnolia in the region.

As the industry reacts to the recent surge in WTI pricing, the volume of new permits suggests that operators are preparing for an active second half of the year. Whether you are tracking competitor activity, identifying new leasehold opportunities, or managing supply chain requirements for upcoming drilling programs, timely access to RRC data is vital for operational success. Professionals looking to streamline their data acquisition can leverage advanced tracking tools to stay informed on every permit filing.

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