Railroad Commission of Texas said last week it has created the framework for a pilot program designed to enhance environmental protection in Texas by recycling produced water safely and economically.  It will provide a regulatory program for operators to assess the effectiveness and suitability of applying treated produced water for beneficial purposes.  Operators will apply […]

Eighteen Permian -focused operators are among the “most prolific 50 public oil and gas operators in the U.S.” based on gross operated production last year, according to Austin-based Enverus.  ExxonMobil, Chesapeake Energy and EOG Resources are the top three – each producing more than 1 million boed.  Enverus said the list “factors in last year’s […]

There was minimal activity last week among oil and gas drillers in Texas and New Mexico.  Baker Hughes said as of Jan. 12 rig counts were unchanged in Texas at 308 (379 year ago) and New Mexico at 97 (103 year ago).  Also, there were 309 rigs in Permian Basin (down 2 from 311 previous […]

Tulsa-based Vital Energy, independent company focused on acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties in Permian Basin, said last week its 2023Q4 production was 113,400 boed.  That’s above guidance of 101,800 to 105,800 boed.  Oil production was 52,800 b/d – above guidance of 47,900 to 50,900 b/d.  Vital said Jan. 9, “Production results […]

U.S. Energy Information Administration said Tuesday it expects Brent crude oil price will average $82 per barrel in 2024 – about the same as 2023 – then decline to $79 per barrel in 2025.  EIA said production growth will be slightly higher in 2025 than demand growth, resulting in a modest build in inventories and […]

Houston-based Aris Water Solutions said recently it received a research grant from U.S. Department of Energy to continue its study of treatment and desalination of produced water as an irrigation source for non-consumptive agriculture.  Amanda Brock, president and CEO, said Dec. 14, “We continue to lead collaborative industry efforts to identify and pilot differentiated technologies […]

Houston-based EOG Resources said last week it plans to maintain capital spending in 2024 at about $6 billion, the same as in 2023, as it prioritizes returns over production volume.  Lloyd (Billy) Helms, Jr., president, said Jan. 4 at a conference in Houston that EOG’s oil production finished 2023 up three percent to 475,000 barrels […]

City of Midland reached a settlement with Houston-based Pilot Water Solutions before hearings scheduled this week at Railroad Commission of Texas on Pilot’s plans to build disposal wells near T-Bar Ranch, the source of a third of Midland’s drinking water.  Texas Tribune said the settlement calls for Pilot to pay Midland $400,000 a year and […]