Next Steps
What landowners can do to address orphaned wells on their property
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Communicate your concerns and needs to companies and industry organizations
Reach out to the oil and gas company responsible for the well or equipment, specifically its Land Department which manages relationships with landowners, about concerns within your area.
Contact statewide industry organizations like the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA), or other members of the Texas Energy Council about the need for solutions.
Mineral rights owners can pressure their operator to properly plug a well before it becomes orphaned. When wells are plugged and the mineral leases terminate, then the land is available to be leased again by any other company in the industry.
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Lodge complaints about specific violations with responsible authorities
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) enforces rules about the quality of oil and gas operations in the state–including abandoned equipment, inactive wells, waste pits, oil spills, and venting and flaring–through its local district offices.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) handles complaints about violations of odor and air pollution rules.
This guide outlines how to research and make an effective complaint. The agencies also offer programs to assist landowners with cleaning up their properties: to evaluate the presence of pollution (at no cost), to clean up surface pollution and plug wells, and to plug leaking water wells,
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Reach out to representative leadership about your concerns and share your ideas to guide solutions:
State oil and gas regulators plan to release new rules for managing inactive wells in the fall of 2026. Commenting on the draft rules is a key opportunity to influence how the rules are written.
City or county officials establish and enforce zoning and setback rules.
State Representatives and Senators propose and vote on statewide priorities.
State Legislative Committees in the state House and Senate take the first steps in writing and passing legislation, and they could revise or expand recent laws.
Federal Congressmen and Senators address oil and gas regulations at the national level.
Emails are effective, but attendance at public meetings and personal one-on-one meetings are most effective. Either way, this guide can help you to be heard.
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Get involved in interest organizations
If you are a member of organizations like these, then you can encourage them to advocate for effective solutions.
Independent Cattlemen’s Association, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, or Ranchers & Landowners Association of Texas supporting the needs of ranchers.
Texas Farm Bureau or other members of the Texas Agriculture Council serving the interests of agriculture.
National Association of Royalty Owners and its Texas affiliate broadly educating and advocating for owners of mineral interests.
Mineral Rights Action Network advocating for environmental best practices. (supporting organization)
Commission Shift advocating for regulatory reform in Texas. (supporting organization)
Environmental Defense Fund researching and advocating for reduction of methane emissions. (supporting organization)
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The risks of and solutions for orphan and low-producing wells are being discussed at conferences held for the oil and gas industry, geologists, economists, and a cross-section of stakeholders.