Original drilling permits for Texas wells doubled over the last year, according to the state's regulatory agency.

Eagle Ford Shale Gains Rigs; Total Rig Count Shrinks Across U.S.

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) announced recently that original drilling permits for the state increased from 656 in June 2016, to 1,305 in June 2017. The breakdown includes:

• 1,131 new oil or gas wells permits
• 11 to re-enter plugged well bores permits
• 163 for re-completions of existing wells permits
• 70 injection, two service and 16 other permits

The Midland area received the most permits for June, with the RRC issuing 588 to the region. Next was the San Antonio region with 137 oil and gas permits issued.

The RRC also reports that there have been 20 new field discoveries since the beginning of the year; 10 oil and 10 natural gas.

The Eagle Ford Shale rig count bounced back into the 90's last week with 92 rigs running across our coverage area by midday Friday.