Railroad Commission of Texas
02/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 16:16
RRC Responds to Governor Abbott’s Directive on H-1B Visas
RRC Responds to Governor Abbott's Directive on H-1B Visas
February 03, 2026AUSTIN - On January 27, Governor Greg Abbott instructed all Texas state agencies to halt new H-1B visa petitions and review their existing involvement in the federal program. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) does not sponsor H-1B visas and will not sponsor them in the future.
RRC Commissioners and the agency strongly support President Trump's America First policies and American energy independence and security. The agency's skilled and dependable American workforce helps maintain a stable, predictable regulatory environment that keeps Texas energy strong and secure. RRC proudly employs over 130 veterans, one of the highest veteran workforce percentages among all Texas state agencies. This reflects the Commission's dedication to honoring those who served our country.
The agency supports Governor Abbott's efforts to keep the Texas economy thriving for both workers and employers, and it takes pride in Texas being a leading destination for hardworking job seekers and entrepreneurs.
Governor Abbott's full directive can be found here.
About the Railroad Commission: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 Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.
Railroad Commission of Texas published this content on February 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 03, 2026 at 22:16 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]