Texas Natural Resources Code - NAT RES § 32.002. Application of Chapter

(a) This chapter does not apply to:

(a-1) Oil and gas underlying land that is owned by this state, was acquired to construct or maintain a highway, road, street, or alley, is located in a producing area, and is subject to an oil or gas lease may be pooled or unitized only prospectively and is subject to Sections 32.201, 32.202, and 32.203.

(b) For purposes of Subsection (a-1), land is located in a producing area if the closest boundary line of the surface of such land is within 2,500 feet of a well capable of producing oil or gas in paying quantities.

(c) Oil and gas underlying land not located within a producing area or that is leased for the specific purpose of drilling a horizontal well may be leased under the provisions of Section 32.201 of this code.

(d) If title to land subject to Subchapter F, Chapter 52 of this code, commonly known as the Relinquishment Act, is acquired by a department, board, or agency of the state, the land shall be leased as provided by Chapter 52 of this code for the leasing of unsold public school land.

(e) If title to land subject to Subchapter C, Chapter 53, of this code is acquired by a department, board, or agency of the state, the land shall be leased as provided by Chapter 53 of this code for the leasing of unsold surveyed public school lands.

(f) This chapter does not authorize drilling or other operations on the surface of land during the period in which the land is used by this state as a highway, road, street, or alley.