Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian is celebrating renewed momentum in the state's oil and gas industry after new data showed significant increases in drilling activity and upstream employment across Texas.
"The market is sending a clear signal," said Christian. "Stronger demand is driving renewed production and job growth across the oil industry. When producers have confidence in demand, production grows, which strengthens communities, supports energy security, and fuels opportunity."
According to new data from Baker Hughes, active U.S. oil-directed drilling rigs increased by 10 to 425 last week, with all of the gains occurring in Texas. The increase marks the largest weekly jump in more than four years and highlights Texas's continued dominance in domestic oil production.
The drilling increase also reflects renewed confidence among producers as market conditions improve, and electricity demand continues rising nationwide.
Separately, the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), citing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reported that Texas upstream oil and natural gas employment rose by 400 jobs in April after adding 1,800 jobs in March.
"These increases provide a direct economic injection to the Texas economy," said Christian. "Rising oil and gas activity drives job growth, boosts production, and expands royalty payments for landowners, while generating critical revenue for schools, roads, and essential public services."
TIPRO also reported that the Texas oil and natural gas industry generated more than $1.715 billion in oil production tax revenue between January and April 2026. Natural gas production taxes added another $773 million during the same period, helping fund public education, higher education, transportation infrastructure, and other state services.
Christian and the latest figures demonstrate the resilience of Texas energy producers and the importance of maintaining pro-growth energy policies as the state's energy demands continue to expand.
"Whether powering the nation's fastest-growing economy, homes, and manufacturing or data centers, the answer is producing more reliable, affordable Texas energy," said Christian. "Texas has resources, workforce, and infrastructure to meet its growing energy needs."
