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, […]
(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 […]
Light Sweet Crude and Refineries: An Overload in the Making
At the PBPA Annual Meeting, Pioneer Natural Resources’ President and COO Tim Dove raised a concern about the growing excess of light sweet crude being developed in the unconventional plays in the Permian Basin, exacerbated by the light crude and condensate being developed in the Eagle Ford. Not coincidentally, Pioneer is one of the major […]
Looking to the Future
An annual shareholders’ meeting provides an opportunity to reflect upon the mission and actions of an organization. It is no different for the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. The accomplishments that I am going to share have nothing to do with me, but everything to do with President Ben Shepperd’s leadership and the chairmen and directors […]
Taking Time for What Matters
In the rush of daily affairs, it is easy to avoid dialogues with peers and industry advocates—but sometimes those conversations are the most productive ones we can have, and the most beneficial for our industry. As I reflect upon the week passed, one filled with meetings with impressive political candidates and Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi […]
From the Chairman: New Mexico’s New Directions
The Land of Enchantment is “open for business” with ground rules that are clear and reasonable – and maybe even deserving of consideration beyond New Mexico’s borders. Just when you thought the political season was over (the 3rd special session is still in progress in Austin as I write), the campaign season is upon us. […]
From the Chairman: Wrangling Over Water
Various camps that are unfriendly to oil and gas are making water their point of contention. Water. It is a hot topic in Texas now, with drought concerns and high demands coming from many directions. Although hydraulic fracturing accounts for less than 2 percent of statewide water use, hydraulic fracturing and the economic prosperity of […]
From the Chairman: Final Push
Sunset legislation and other critical issues draw greater scrutiny as the Texas Legislature heads down the home stretch. The Texas legislative session is in full swing. Many issues are being discussed. The Railroad Commission Sunset is probably the biggest issue impacting our industry at this point. The House Energy Resources Committee heard testimony last month […]
The Politics of “Sue and Settle”
The “green lobby’s” tactics in the species-listings campaigns are lacking in transparency, candor, and accountability. As we have previously reported, in November the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) put forth their proposal that the Lesser Prairie Chicken be listed on the Threatened Species list per the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The […]