Gas Exploration Information - Rules and Regulations

The City of Dallas revised the Gas Drilling and Production Regulations in September 2007 when the City Council approved Ordinance No. 29920.  While the City’s ordinance regulates many facets of the gas drilling and production process, there are several other agencies that regulate the drilling and production process as well.  Please find links below to the City of Dallas regulations, along with the other regulatory agencies.

City Regulations

• Summary of the Gas Drilling and Production Regulations Contained
  in the City's Ordinance (Adobe PDF, 2.3 MB)
• City of Dallas Ordinance (Adobe PDF, 3.9 MB)

State Regulations

• The Texas Railroad Commission regulates the exploration and production of oil and natural gas in Texas, including preventing waste of oil and gas resources; protection of surface and subsurface water; and, ensuring all mineral interest owners have an opportunity to develop their fair share of the minerals underlying their property. 
• The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has jurisdiction over air contaminants and is involved in the regulation of water use. 
• The Texas Department of Transportation oversees the construction and maintenance of state highways within their jurisdiction.

Presentations to the Dallas City Council

• Proposed Gas Drilling and Production Regulations (Adobe PDF, Council Briefing, August 27, 2007)
• Proposed Gas Drilling and Production Regulations (Adobe PDF, Transportation & Environment, June 11, 2007)
• Gas Exploration in the City of Dallas (Adobe PDF, Economic Development and Housing, September 5, 2006)