Texas regulators levy $1.1 million in oil and gas enforcement penalties
(WO) — The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed more than $1.1 million in enforcement penalties against operators and businesses at its open meeting this week, according to agency filings.
The commission approved $1,132,258.50 in fines tied to violations across the state’s oil and gas sector and intrastate pipeline system. The agency has primary regulatory and enforcement authority over Texas oil and gas operations, including production, transportation and pipeline safety.
Of the total, $198,235.50 was assessed through master default orders involving operators that failed to appear at commission enforcement proceedings. An additional $934,023 was assessed through master agreed orders, which require operators to come into compliance with commission rules.
Unless motions for rehearing are filed within the required timeframe, the enforcement decisions become final under the terms of the orders.
