Railroad Commission of Texas
05/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/22/2026 08:47
Oil and Gas Regulator Wayne Christian Applauds Largest Onshore Lease Sale in U.S. History
Oil and Gas Regulator Wayne Christian Applauds Largest Onshore Lease Sale in U.S. History
May 22, 2026AUSTIN - Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian today applauded the reported $4 billion federal oil and gas lease sale in Texas and New Mexico, the largest onshore federal oil and gas lease sale in U.S. history. Christian emphasized that the record-setting sale reflects the results of the streamlined, cooperative federal regulatory environment under the Trump administration, which has facilitated increased leasing activity and market participation.
"The contrast between the Biden administration's anti-energy agenda and President Trump's pro-production policies could not be more obvious," Christian said. "When the federal government allows American energy producers to do what they do best, investment surges, production grows, jobs are created and American energy security is strengthened. Under President Trump, America is once again unleashing the full power of domestic energy production."
The lease sale, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)'s Bureau of Land Management, allows energy companies to bid for the right to explore for and produce oil and natural gas on federally owned land. Winning bidders secure leases on specific tracts, with development conducted under federal oversight. Revenue is generated through lease payments, royalties and production activity and is shared between state and federal governments.
According to preliminary auction results released by the DOI, companies bid more than $4 billion for drilling rights covering more than 33,000 acres across portions of the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. That total is roughly four times the previous onshore federal lease sale record of $972 million set in 2018.
"This sale is further proof that Texas' oil and gas industry is entering a new era of strength and stability," Christian said. "After years of uncertainty and policies that slowed investment and constrained production, companies are once again expanding operations, increasing revenues and making long-term investments in American energy. Texas producers are leading that resurgence, and the results are benefiting workers, communities, state revenues and consumers across the Lone Star State."
For more information on the historic oil and gas lease sale, see the DOI release 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/.
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