The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) announced a major milestone in its employee training efforts this week, highlighting the successful completion of Phase I of its “Boots on the Ground” initiative. Over 300 employees have now participated in the foundational training program designed to standardize inspections and improve regulatory consistency across the state’s oil and gas operations.
The program, launched in 2019, focuses on improving how RRC inspectors interpret and apply the commission’s oil and gas rules. The goal is to ensure consistent enforcement from district to district while strengthening environmental and public safety protections statewide.
Phase I, titled “Introduction to Statewide Rules,” centers on the regulatory framework that inspectors and technical staff most often encounter during field operations. According to the RRC, the training combines in-depth discussions, real-world case studies, and collaborative exercises to better prepare field staff.
“This program brings clarity and understanding to the rules which helps inspectors do their job well,” said Dana McClendon, division trainer for the RRC’s Oil and Gas Division. “Our goal is to make sure everyone leaves more confident to do the inspections the state relies on to ensure operators are complying with safety regulations.”
The RRC emphasized that training plays a key role in promoting responsible energy development. With Texas being the top oil and gas producer in the country, enforcement of safety and environmental rules is critical to sustaining the industry while protecting land, water, and communities.
Background: Training Texas Inspectors Since 2019
The Boots on the Ground program was officially launched in February 2019. In its original announcement, the RRC described the effort as its first formal training school tailored to new oil and gas inspectors. At the time, the agency employed 158 authorized inspectors, 75 of whom had less than two years of experience.
The program’s curriculum includes classroom instruction on oil and gas regulations, as well as mock field exercises on responding to spills, handling public complaints, and conducting standard inspections. Training sessions are held in district offices across Texas, starting with the RRC’s Kilgore location.
Executive Director Wei Wang previously described the training as essential for maintaining consistent enforcement across the state’s energy-producing regions. “Protection of public safety and our environment is the commission’s highest priority,” Wang said. “Our oil and gas inspectors are on the frontline 24/7 across Texas carrying out this mission.”
Wang also emphasized that the training is part of a broader effort to invest in the RRC’s workforce, noting that a unified curriculum ensures all district offices follow the same rules and standards.
Building a More Consistent Regulatory Culture
The RRC reports that the training has already led to better coordination between district offices and a more unified interpretation of its rules. This, in turn, allows inspectors to identify violations more clearly, communicate expectations to operators, and uphold the commission’s environmental goals.
Inspectors participating in Phase I have given positive feedback about the hands-on approach and the opportunity to learn from peers in other parts of the state. The RRC says future phases of Boots on the Ground will expand into more specialized training modules focused on complex inspections, emergency response, and evolving industry technologies.
With Texas continuing to lead the nation in oil and gas production, the stakes for regulatory oversight remain high. In addition to traditional hydrocarbon regulation, the RRC also oversees natural gas utilities, pipeline safety, and surface mining operations for coal and uranium.
The commission carries out these duties under both state and federal law, including major environmental statutes like the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Through training initiatives like Boots on the Ground, the RRC aims to stay ahead of compliance challenges and support sustainable energy development.
More Than Rules: A Mission to Serve Texans
According to its mission statement, the RRC exists to serve Texas through its stewardship of natural resources, environmental protection, and commitment to community safety. That mission also includes support for economic development and enhanced energy infrastructure.
By equipping inspectors with the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs effectively, the agency says it is ensuring that energy production in Texas remains both responsible and resilient.
As the RRC looks ahead to future phases of Boots on the Ground, officials say they will continue refining the program to reflect real-time challenges in the field. Whether through updates to training materials, new field simulations, or stronger regional coordination, the focus remains on one central goal: protecting Texans and the resources they depend on.
