Railroad Commission of Texas
05/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/14/2026 13:04
Oil and Gas Regulator Wayne Christian Highlights Permian Basin’s Key Role in America’s Record Energy Output
Oil and Gas Regulator Wayne Christian Highlights Permian Basin's Key Role in America's Record Energy Output
May 14, 2026AUSTIN - Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian today highlighted the critical role Texas' energy industry and the Permian Basin have played in maintaining America's position as the world's largest oil and energy producer. Christian also pointed to new federal data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showing continued U.S. production strength fueled by Texas energy.
"The Permian Basin is the engine of Texas and American energy independence," Commissioner Wayne Christian said. "If we want to maintain global energy leadership, stabilize fuel prices and reduce reliance on adversarial nations, we must continue to support the men and women who power this industry every day right here in Texas."
According to the EIA's Today in Energy analysis released earlier this week, U.S. crude oil production reached record highs again in 2025, with production from the Permian Basin accounting for a dominant share of national growth, tallying an annual 3% increase. The region, stretching across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, continues to serve as the backbone of U.S. energy supply, driving efficiency gains, record output and global energy leadership.
In 2025, crude oil accounted for 26% of total domestic energy production, helping the United States maintain its position as the world's leading oil producer. The report also highlighted continued growth in national natural gas and coal production, reinforcing the critical role reliable energy sources play in meeting rising demand.
"Texas is the beating heart of American energy, and this report makes that unmistakably clear," Wayne Christian continued. "That success is not accidental; it is the result of policies that spark growth in Texas' energy sector, strengthen our economy and advance national energy independence."
To view the report by the EIA's Today in Energy analysis, click here.
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/.
Railroad Commission of Texas published this content on May 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 14, 2026 at 19:04 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]