We have made it to December in what has been an incredibly unprecedented year. The world is going through a pandemic the likes of which none of us have experienced before. Along with that pandemic, we have seen a dramatic change in energy demand and, consequently, in operations in the Permian Basin. However, one thing […]
Commitment is the Key
My name is Scott Kidwell and I am your new chairman here at the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. I am truly humbled to stand on the shoulders of former chairmen, such as Kyle McGraw, Clint Walker, and Danny Campbell, and will do everything I can to help lead our organization and our industry ever forward. […]
The War on Hydrocarbons
Our industry is at war. We are fighting for the survival of our industry. It’s a war of public opinion, and now becoming a war of public policy. With the looming presidential election, the shift in public policy might be huge. What were once thought to be radical, “left wing ideas” are now being considered […]
Proud to Be an American
Well, at the writing of this article, the Permian Basin, specifically Midland and Odessa, are still abuzz with the excitement of a Presidential visit. From those who lined the Airport perimeter fence to catch a glimpse of Airforce One’s arrival, to those who lined the streets of Odessa to see the impressive motorcade of black […]
Riding the 2020 Emotional Rollercoaster
Well, at the end of June, nearing $40/bbl for the price of oil sure feels better than nearing $10/bbl. While it’s not the $55/bbl that we enjoyed pre-“Double Whammy,” (Covid-19 and Price War) it is much better than we experienced in the month of May, when realized prices for many were in the $17/bbl range […]
New Seasons Remind of a Time Before
About 12 months ago, I wrote a column about the changing seasons. For most of the world around this time of year summer is giving way to fall and many transformations are occurring. Temperatures are dropping and leaves are changing colors. September, while it might not bring cooler temperatures to our corner of the world, […]
Debating the “Future of Energy”
April 28, 2014—Returning to Midland after being immersed at my graduate business school alma mater, Harvard, and interacting with the unique culture of New York City, I have a different perspective than when I departed Midland 4 days ago. It also happens that a long flight is a great time to read The Wall Street […]
The Changing Dynamic
While the size of the prize in the Permian Basin is now greater than ever in my lifetime, the bar is set higher than ever for those who aspire to attain the prize. I am told that the late 1950s was a great time to be in the Permian Basin, but I did not show […]
Circles of Influence
Primary We have survived the bruising primaries with some close races, surprising results in a few cases, and yes, runoffs. After the runoffs, it is time to move on, politically reunite our oil and gas community, and focus on the November elections, which are critical to our industry. I hope our supportive incumbents and Republican […]
(Too) Much Ado About Tremors
Just when you thought no other ugly issue could rear its head (e.g., lizards and chickens), we have, from the land of Senator Wendy Davis, claims that hydraulic fracturing is causing earthquakes. There is no disputing that there has been an increase in tremors registering as high as 3.6 in magnitude over the past three […]