The PBPA, in conjunction with Vista One, created an outline of recommended practices to combat oilfield crime, incorporating physical, cyber, and operational security measures alongside strategic recommendations for technology deployment and coordination with industry partners. Enhanced reporting protocols and structured training programs further solidify the approach, ensuring all personnel are equipped and informed to contribute to crime prevention and incident response.

The measures included herein are not intended to be the only solutions that may be needed to combat oilfield crime, but they are intended to be a good beginning to address criminal activity and protect your assets and employees.

H.R. 5376 or the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law in August of 2022. The Biden Administration's stated goal of the IRA is fighting inflation, lowering the deficit, reducing the price of prescription drugs for seniors, and reducing the country's carbon emissions. The IRA included a Methane Tax that could be detrimental to the oil and gas industry and the United States' energy independence.

The PBPA and other organizations have continued to analyze the Methane Tax issue and continue to have concerns about its impact. We have communicated these concerns to multiple members of Congress and many of them share our concerns. In fact, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has drafted a letter to the Administrator of the EPA demanding clarification on a number of key points. Congress also continues to hold hearings on this matter. However, at this moment the tax is scheduled to be implemented in 2024.

These recommended lighting practices are the result of a collaborative effort between the members of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association (PBPA), headquartered in Midland, Texas, and The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, located in Ft. Davis, Texas. The PBPA strongly supports the McDonald Observatory and the endeavors it strives to accomplish. Knowing that dark skies are vital to those endeavors, the PBPA and the McDonald Observatory offer the included recommendations to accomplish just that. These recommendations are targeted at operations in the Texas Counties of Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Pecos, Presidio, and Reeves.