Odessa American

by Bob Campbell

The Permian Basin Petroleum Association says the environmental work being done by the energy industry is often overshadowed by broader political or even cultural narratives about oil and natural gas.

In West Texas and Southeast New Mexico, PBPA President Ben Shepperd said, his members have invested heavily in habitat conservation efforts, emissions reduction technologies, electrification of field operations, improved leak detection and repair programs, water recycling systems and enhanced well integrity standards.

“These efforts have been undertaken by a variety of operators, big and small,” Shepperd said. “In fact in many cases smaller and mid-sized operators have adopted new technologies quickly because efficiency and environmental performance directly affects their bottom line.

“For example methane intensity in the Permian Basin has declined significantly over the past decade even as production has increased. Companies are deploying continuous monitoring systems, drone and satellite detection and automated shut-in capabilities.”

He said water reuse rates in the region continue to rise, reducing reliance on freshwater sources.

“Electrification and infrastructure build-out have also reduced flaring compared to prior development cycles,” Shepperd said. “Major projects like direct air capture facilities draw headlines and deservedly so, but they represent just one part of a much broader industry effort.

“The day-to-day environmental improvements happening across thousands of wells and facilities rarely make national news.”

Shepperd said energy development often becomes a political proxy debate about climate policy, economic growth and national security.

“That dynamic can make it difficult for factual operational progress to break through,” he said. “The reality on the ground is that environmental performance, operational efficiency and economic competitiveness are increasingly aligned.

“These types of successes get highlighted every year through honors like the Bruno Hanson Environmental Excellence Award bestowed by Midland College, but recognition for such honors is unfortunately not always headline news outside the Permian Basin.

“Our region remains one of the most regulated oil and natural gas regions in the world and our members operate under stringent state and federal standards. Continuous improvement is not optional, it’s required by regulators, investors, and communities alike.

“More often than not, you’ll find companies going above and beyond to protect the environment, not because it’s required but because it’s the right thing to do.”

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