RRC adopts geothermal rules

On December 17, the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) adopted new rules relating to Shallow Closed-Loop Geothermal Systems.

​A recently-passed state law transferred regulatory authority of these systems from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to the RRC. 

This fall, the Texas Groundwater Association worked with members and industry stakeholders to recommend changes on the RRC’s proposed rules.

​The RRC agreed to consider TGWA’s suggestion of developing a best practices guideline document that will help industry comply with the new rules.

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The RRC rules will make it clear that a well report is not needed for each well when multiple boreholes are drilled as part of the same system. A map or drawing of each well must be provided.

The RRC will also include TGWA’s suggested language noting that shallow closed-loop geothermal systems are permanent property fixtures. Similar to a water well, these systems will transfer with the property.

TGWA suggested replacing the word “geothermal” with “ground source heat pump” or “geothermal heat injection well" throughout the new rules to better describe the process.

RRC declined to make that change as a whole, but updated the definition of shallow closed-loop geothermal systems to include “heat pump” and heat transfer fluids.”

The RRC will also consider the term “shallow closed-loop geothermal system” to be the same as a “ground source heat pump system.”

The RRC will exempt wells built before January 6, 2025, from the new rules.

Pond/lake geothermal heat pump systems are also exempt from the new rules.

To read the full adopted rules, click here.