This dispute between Jackie Chesnutt and CORE Petro is a microcosm of a broader systemic failure in Texas’ oil and gas regulation. The strongest version of the narrative highlights legitimate concerns: low-producing wells are often kept alive to avoid plugging costs, creating environmental risks and burdens for landowners. Chesnutt’s frustration is understandable—she faces pollution, bureaucratic indifference, and a company that admits it cannot afford to plug wells. Yet CORE Petro’s position al...