Texas Natural Resources Code - NAT RES § 52.322. Permit Required for Exploration

(a) Except for a person who has a valid oil and gas lease on public school land authorized by this chapter, a person may not conduct geophysical or geochemical exploration on public school land unless the person obtains a permit from the commissioner.

(b) Every person who is authorized to conduct a geophysical or geochemical exploration on public school land shall comply with the commissioner's rules relating to such exploration. Any person with a valid oil and gas lease on land subject to this chapter must comply with the commissioner's rules concerning exploration.

(c) Nothing in this title shall prohibit the conduct of airborne geophysical exploration.