Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 07–July 14, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 07–July 14, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

The Texas oil and gas sector saw a robust week of regulatory activity as the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) processed a total of 252 new drilling permits between July 07 and July 14, 2026. This surge in permitting coincides with a notable rally in the commodities market, as WTI crude closed at $79.82 per barrel, marking a significant increase of $7.74 compared to the prior close. For E&P firms and oilfield service providers, this uptick in activity signals a continued commitment to development despite ongoing market volatility.

Permit volume remained heavily concentrated in the Permian Basin, reflecting the region's status as the primary driver of domestic production. Midland County led the state with 30 new permits, followed closely by Reagan County with 25. Andrews County rounded out the top three with 18 permits, while Webb and Upton counties each recorded 15 permits for the week. Staying ahead of these filings is critical for land departments and service companies looking to secure early-stage opportunities, a process streamlined by DownHole Digital, which monitors RRC permit filings in real time.

Operator activity during this period was dominated by major players with established footprints in the Permian. Diamondback E&P LLC led the week with 24 permits, followed by Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. with 21. DE Central Operating, LLC also maintained a strong pace with 19 permits. Mewbourne Oil Company and Apache Corporation rounded out the top five operators, securing 14 and 12 permits, respectively.

While the bulk of the activity was concentrated among the top operators, several specific filings are currently drawing attention as high-priority projects. These include permits #917000 and #917004, both filed by Pitts Energy Co. in Ward County. Other notable filings include permit #916980 by Basin Oil & Gas Operating, LLC in Terry County, permit #916972 by Jonah Energy LLC in Dimmit County, and permit #916960 by Caturus Energy, LLC in Webb County. While these specific permits currently show an estimated spud date as TBD, they represent key areas of interest for operators looking to expand their acreage positions.

As the industry navigates the current pricing environment, the steady flow of RRC permits serves as a reliable indicator of future drilling intentions and capital allocation. For professionals in the field, access to timely, accurate permit data is essential for operational planning and business development. Whether you are tracking competitor activity or identifying new prospects, leveraging digital tools ensures you remain informed as the regulatory landscape shifts.

To track these permits and monitor daily RRC activity, learn more at downhole.digital.