This organization’s influence extends beyond its geographic boundaries, and beyond its day-to-day obligations, as well.
Doug Robison
You ever jump out of the frying pan into the fire? This being my last article as Chairman of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, I was thinking that in passing the position of Chairman on to Mark Merritt there would be an opportunity to step back from industry business for a while. As is often the case I was wrong. I will now be serving on the Executive Board of the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA), the largest and second-oldest oil and gas association in the country. PBPA and TXOGA have enjoyed a very good working relationship over the years, working hand in glove on primarily state issues that have direct impact on the Permian Basin. While TXOGA represents over 90 percent of the state’s oil and gas production and 100 percent of the state’s refining capacity, that organization has leaned heavily on the advice, council, and participation of PBPA’s leadership in handling significant statewide upstream oil and gas issues.
While the Permian Basin Petroleum Association is a regional oil and gas association we are usually placed in the position of leadership for statewide issues. Past examples include oilfield cleanup, universal bonding or financial responsibility, Railroad Commission funding, Railroad Commission Sunset review, high cost gas, oilfield surface cleanup/restoration—and the list goes on. I would challenge you to find any oil and gas association in the country with a membership that has stepped up to the plate to anywhere near the level the PBPA members have. PBPA’s membership levels, both in terms of numbers of members and financial support of the association, are at all-time highs. Personal involvement of PBPA members and leadership in directly working industry issues both in Austin and Washington are too numerous to mention. Attention to detail and input into PBPA business by the association’s board of directors is high and consistent.
As I have had opportunity to visit with state and federal elected officials, as well as with leaders of other oil and gas associations from around the country, my explanation of the work of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association is always predicated on the statement that “our membership gets it.” The PBPA members understand what is at stake in our industry, state, and country and step up to the plate time and time again to do what it takes. The resulting track record of our association is one of success and continued positive influence in the issues impacting our companies and employees. The historic levels of economic activity and prosperity we are seeing in the Basin are a direct result of the efforts of the men and women of the Texas oil and gas industry. Just as yesterday’s success is followed by today’s challenges, so too does the Permian Basin Petroleum Association membership face a constant litany of problems and issues.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve PBPA as chairman of the past two years and I offer my most sincere thanks and appreciation to Ben Shepperd and the staff of PBPA for allowing me the opportunity to work with them during that term. The chairmanship has passed into the very capable hands of Mark Merritt, who will continue his excellent service to our association and membership.