Texas Porch

Oil & Gas

Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated by the Railroad Commission

Terrell County has oil and gas production, and the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) is the state agency that oversees all drilling and production activity here.

Terrell County Rules & Licenses

Despite the name, the Texas Railroad Commission does not regulate railroads. It oversees oil, gas, and pipeline activity across Texas. Terrell County has had oil and gas production since a gas field was discovered there in 1957. If you own land in Terrell County, mineral rights may be separate from your surface rights — meaning someone else could own the right to drill under your property.

Before buying rural land, check whether the mineral rights are included in the sale. You can search for wells, production records, and permitted operators in Terrell County using the RRC's free online tools at rrc.texas.gov. The RRC also has rules that protect water wells from oil and gas drilling through its Groundwater Advisory Unit.

Source to confirm: Texas Railroad Commission — Online Research Queries

More Terrell County notes

Property Tax

Who Handles Your Property Tax in Terrell County

The appraisal district sets your property value and also collects taxes — the separate tax assessor office does not collect property taxes here.

Read note ->

Agricultural Valuation

Ag Valuation Can Lower Your Tax Bill on Ranch Land

Land used for ranching or other qualifying agriculture is taxed on its productive value, not its market value — this can mean a much lower tax bill.

Read note ->

Water Wells

Drilling a Water Well? You Need a Permit First.

Terrell County has its own groundwater conservation district, created by state law in 2011, that regulates new water wells.

Read note ->

Hunting Regulations

Deer Hunting in Terrell County: Two Species, Different Rules

Terrell County has both white-tailed and mule deer, and each species has its own season dates and bag limits set by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Read note ->