The primary state agency that regulates the oil & natural gas industry in Texas, including exploration, drilling, production, and transportation. Despite its name, it no longer has jurisdiction over the railroad industry. It also has regulatory authority over intrastate pipeline transporters, the LP-gas industry, natural gas utilities, and coal and uranium surface mining procedures. Through its Oil & Gas Division, it is responsible for regulatory oversight, administrative compliance, establishing rules and reporting requirements, conducting field inspections, and monitoring activities, issuing various types of permits (including drilling and injection permits), and environmental cleanup and remediation oversight.

The RRCs mission statement is:

"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 RRC is formed by three members who are publicly elected statewide officials for six-year staggered terms.