Austin Railroad Commission Attorney
Contact our trusted law firm today at (512) 394-4289
For decades, our firm has proudly advocated for clients facing legal matters involving the Railroad Commission of Texas. The Jones Law Firm PC understands how important it is to protect the integrity and honor of your company, small business, or personal reputation. That's why we offer personalized legal support that enables clients to successfully navigate even the most complex legal matters.
Reasons To Choose Us
We are proud to serve businesses and individuals throughout Central Texas. Our main goal is to help our clients effectively handle permit matters, transactional deals, and other real property issues. We focus on helping our clients avoid the courtroom. We have also served as outside general counsel for investor-owned utilities, geothermal operators, large landowners, and oil and gas operators. With our extensive experience and background in water, energy, oil and gas, and other property matters, we are prepared to handle your case.
Mudpits & Land Farming Permits
Our Austin railroad commission lawyers understand the complexities that go into securing permits for certain surface waste management options. When dealing with the Railroad Commission of Texas, it is crucial that you and your company's interests are safeguarded against any lawsuit or legal action. That is why our firm is here to guide you through the proper permit and disposal processes. To start, it is important that you understand which type of disposal methods are allowed and whether or not they will require a permit.
The Railroad Commission of Texas requires permits for the following:
- Brine Pits
- Washout Pits
- Skimming Pits
- Collecting Pits
- Produced Water
- Bring Mining Pits
- Saltwater Disposal Pits
- Emergency Saltwater Pits
- Drilling Fluid Disposal Pits
- Disposal/Injection Wells
- Drilling Mud Treatment Facilities
There are also strict rules on the methods of disposal-even for pits that do not require permits. If your company fails to adhere to these rules, they could be facing serious litigation issues. If your pit has been found to cause or allow pollution, the Railroad Commission of Texas may decide to file a lawsuit or take other action against you. Texas continues to enforce strict laws, rules, and regulations against pollution and environmental damage. This makes it even more of a challenge to secure the correct permits.
Texas Railroad Commission FAQs
What Is the Railroad Commission of Texas?
The Railroad Commission of Texas (or the Texas Railroad Commission) is a regulatory agency that was founded in 1891, making it the oldest regulatory agency in Texas history. Until 1973, the Texas Railroad Commission set oil prices worldwide. It’s a three-person commission made of elected officials who serve six-year terms, with the chairman chosen by the commissioners themselves.
The current TRC is made of Jim Wright, Wayne Christian, and Christi Craddock.
What Does the Texas Railroad Commission Do?
The Department of Transportation regulates all railroad, trucking, and bus transportation, so in spite of its name, the Texas Railroad Commission no longer regulates railroads. In 1984, the TRC focused itself entirely on regulating the massive oil and gas industry in Texas. This wasn’t a large shift; the TRC had been regulating pipelines and production since 1917.
What Falls Under the Jurisdiction of the Texas Railroad Commission?
Nearly every part of the oil and gas industry falls under the TRC’s jurisdiction. Pipeline safety, extraction operations, safety policy in liquefied petroleum gas, uranium mining, coal mining, and other energy-related production or non-vehicle delivery is under their authority. However, a notable exception is electrical utility, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Texas Public Utilities Commission.
Like we mentioned above, no part of the railroad system remains under the TRC’s authority. Their last duties involving railways were transferred over in 2005.
Whatever issues you might be facing that involve the Texas Railroad Commission, The Jones Law Firm, PC has the experience, skill, and relationships to effectively advocate on your behalf. Speak with us as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Receive the effective legal counsel that you deserve! Contact The Jones Law Firm PC at (512) 394-4289 for your free consultation.