RRC Commissioners Assess More Than $355,000 in Penalties
February 07, 2019AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas assessed $355,976 in fines involving 202 enforcement dockets against operators and businesses at the Commissioners’ conference this week. The Commission has primary oversight and enforcement of the state’s oil and gas industry and intrastate pipeline safety.
Martin County Environmental LLC entered into a consent order agreeing to pay a $50,000 administrative penalty after originally protesting an oil and gas enforcement order and going to a hearing. The consent order can be found under Docket Number 08-0304808 .
Operators were assessed $18,688 after failing to appear at Commission enforcement proceedings. Details on these Master Default Orders can be found on the RRC website here.
Operators were ordered to come into compliance with Commission rules and assessed $26,513 for oil and gas, LP-Gas and pipeline safety rule violations. Pipeline operators and excavators were assessed $260,775 for violations of the Commission’s Pipeline Damage Prevention rules. Details on all these Master Agreed Orders can be found on the RRC website here.
In the absence of timely motions for rehearing, decisions are final as stated in these final orders.
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About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.