Although the oil and gas industry in New Mexico is booming—as it is in the rest of the country—these days, Wally Drangmeister calls the state’s industry “a tale of two basins.” Drangmeister, the director of communications for the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, pointed out that there are a near-record 87 rigs operating in […]
Where Loyalty Still Counts: Mack Chase
The word “artesia” refers to “rising to the top.” Fittingly, the town of Artesia, N.M., is home to an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mack Chase, who has not only risen himself, but has helped others rise as well. With instincts, luck, and a lot of hard work, Mack C. Chase has forged […]
From the Chairman of the Board
A ruling in mid-June rewards months and even years of diligent effort by Permian Basin energy interests and this region on the whole. At the time of this article being written, June 13th, we have received word that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has made the decision not to list the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard […]
From the Association President
The decision against listing the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as endangered is a victory for clear thinking, responsible scientific study, and regional economic health. And it shows the effectiveness of rallying to a cause. At long last, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has ruled NOT to list the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard as Endangered. This decision […]
Green Tree Gold Tournament
An Ace of a Tournament A record number of participants hit the links April 23 for the annual PBPA Green Tree Golf Tournament, as 336 entrants vied for a variety of exciting prizes. Supreme among those was a prize that probably no one expected would be won that day—the offer of a brand new F-150 […]
From the Chairman of the Board
Economic Analysis In any public debate, being able to quantify the real stakes is the first step toward a fair and accurate resolution. It is said that a rolling stone gathers no moss. However, here in the Permian Basin it appears that a rolling stone rolls faster and faster. As the resources plays continue […]
Corrosion Control
In the Permian Basin, accepting and mastering corrosion brings cost containment and peace of mind. Remember the television commercials for Fram oil filters that made the phrase “Pay me now or pay me later” a recognized part of American culture? Well, those involved in the corrosion control end of the oil and gas industry could […]
Profile: Mark Machen, president of Blue Quail Water Transfer
In an industry that is chock full of dizzyingly complicated technological processes and procedures, there’s something somehow gratifying in contemplating a trade that anyone can grasp. The business of “water transfer” fits that description. It’s an essential task—a veritable “from Point A to Point B” logistic—but it calls for professionalism and its own unique set […]
Chesapeake’s Chess Move
Chesapeake Energy’s anticipated divestiture of as much as $5 billion in Permian Basin assets is not likely to soften the local market, observers say. The flurry of news reports detailing the financial stresses of Chesapeake Energy, cropping up in mid-May, brought with them the disclosure that the Oklahoma City-based firm is looking to find buyers […]
Opportunity Knocked
The word “Wolfberry” and the name “Jim Henry” will forever be linked in the petroleum history of the Permian Basin. The story’s been told numerous times, and in various ways, but if there is a good “short version” of the tale, it’s in this capsule remark from Henry’s friend Jim White: “He [Jim […]