Scott Kidwell
We have turned the page on 2020 and I think we are all looking forward to whatever 2021 might offer in comparison to the year gone by. For PBPA right off the bat, 2021 offers legislative sessions in both Texas and New Mexico, along with a new administration in Washington, D.C. New Mexico will convene the First Session of its 55th Legislature on January 19th and will adjourn this session on March 20th. Texas will convene its 87th Regular Legislative Session on January 21st with the session set to adjourn on May 31st. Sandwiched in between the start dates of the New Mexico and Texas legislative sessions, there will be a presidential inauguration on January 20th.
Elections at the local, state, and national levels always have impacts on our members’ abilities to operate safely and responsibly in your development of the natural resources of the Permian Basin. I’m proud of the efforts PBPA went to in order to keep our members apprised of the election developments in 2020. Whether you were focused on the Lone Star State, the Land of Enchantment, or other elections across the country, PBPA provided timely updates and analysis of what these elections could mean for our industry going forward. The two legislative sessions and the actions of the newly inaugurated president will help us all see just what kind of challenges or rewards our industry could reap from those elections.
These sessions and inauguration are approaching fast. All three could have substantial impacts on oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin. As to the legislative sessions, while largely focus could be on budgets and redistricting, there will be plenty of other proposed bills and resolutions directly involving our industry that could also impact the PBPA membership. Whether the issues involve methane, water, eminent domain, or a number of other topics, you can rest assured that the staff and leadership of PBPA are well prepared for the upcoming meetings and negotiations in Austin and Santa Fe.
The PBPA Texas and New Mexico Legislative Committees continuously meet throughout the year, even outside of session, but the frequency of these meetings will ramp up as legislators convene in the state capitols. These committee meetings are the best way for PBPA members to stay up to date on the most recently filed bills and movements of those bills throughout the process. Further, with daily functions still being impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, both states are trying to figure out just how they will hold meetings and who all will be able to attend those meetings. PBPA is well positioned to adjust to any requirements or restrictions and will be your greatest ally in making sure your voice is not just heard, but is impactful.
As to Washington, D.C., much is unknown about what a Biden administration will mean for the oil and gas industry, but PBPA won’t back down from protecting your rights to operate in both Texas and New Mexico. You have worked hard to secure energy dominance for the United States, and we will work hard to ensure your rights to continue operating. We can’t do it without you, however, and we need your help! If you haven’t already done so, renew your membership in PBPA for 2021. If you have renewed, find out how you can get involved with the association’s advocacy efforts by learning about our committees and working groups.
While the PBPA staff and leadership work tirelessly on behalf of our members, none of that work is possible without your support. To learn more about how you can support the PBPA, reach out to any of our staff and they’ll be more than happy to help. When you call, let us know how we can help you as well with any agency or legislative issues you may have.