Vol. 9 No. 5

Members, 

As we move into the second half of the year—and prepare to celebrate America's 250th birthday this Independence Day—we're reminded of the innovation, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit that have long driven our nation forward. The energy industry has played a vital role in that story, and the Permian Basin continues to help power America's future.

In this edition of The Standard, you'll find updates on several important regulatory and environmental issues, including PBPA's ongoing work related to endangered species policy and proposed federal regulatory changes that could impact operations on public lands.

You'll also find details on upcoming opportunities to engage with the Association, including registration for the 2026 Annual Meeting, the New Mexico Site Remediation & Reclamation Forum, and the annual Permian Basin Oil & Gas Compensation Survey.

We also recap another successful Clay Shoot + Pit King Challenge, welcome our newest members, and highlight recent committee activities that continue to drive collaboration across the industry.

Thank you for your continued support of PBPA and your commitment to advancing the safe, responsible development of the Permian Basin. We wish you and your families a safe and meaningful Independence Day and look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

Important Updates

• 2026 PBPA Annual Meeting
• Oilfield Strong Podcast: Ep. 99 - Hurdles to Continued Permian Growth?
• SHOC Addresses Growing Concerns Over African Rue
• PBPA Continues Leadership on Endangered Species Issues
• Interior Department Proposes Changes to Federal Oil & Gas Regulations
• Sponsor a Fire Truck
• Q2 New Members
• 2026 Permian Basin Oil & Gas Compensation Survey
• New Mexico Site Remediation & Reclamation Forum
• RECAP: Clay Shoot + Pit King Challenge
• Committee Meetings

Community Events

• Midland College PPDC Courses
• 2026 RRC Regulatory Conference - Round Rock, TX
• West Texas Legislative Summit - San Angelo, TX
• Additional events can be found on the online event calendar!

Regards, 

PBPA President

Join the PBPA for the 64th Annual Meeting on September 16–17, 2026. This premier industry event brings together energy professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the Permian Basin for valuable networking and discussions on the issues impacting our region and industry.

The event will begin with a Welcome Reception on September 16 at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, providing attendees an opportunity to connect with colleagues, customers, and industry peers. On September 17, attendees will gather at the Petroleum Club of Midland for a day of programming, networking, and industry updates.

Oilfield Strong Podcast: Ep. 99 - Hurdles to Continued Permian Growth?

PBPA’s Michael Lozano recently joined PBPA member OTA Environmental Services for Episode 99 of the Oilfield Strong podcast. Titled "Hurdles to Continued Permian Growth?", the episode explores the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the Permian Basin, including air quality, power infrastructure, water resources, and the growing issue of oilfield theft. Watch the episode to hear the conversation and gain insights into the issues impacting our industry.

SHOC Addresses Growing Concerns Over African Rue

This week, PBPA convened its Species, Habitat, and Operations Committee (SHOC) to discuss a broad range of issues affecting operators across the Permian Basin, including the continued spread of African rue, an invasive plant species that has become an increasing concern in both West Texas and New Mexico.

In response to recent challenges—particularly in New Mexico—the Committee discussed ongoing efforts to work with state and federal regulators to better inform operators about proven methods for preventing, mitigating, and remediating African rue. PBPA is committed to ensuring operators have access to practical guidance and that invasive species management does not unnecessarily hinder the responsible development of state and federal lands.

Looking ahead, PBPA will continue working with regulators, landowners, and other stakeholders to identify additional opportunities for education, coordination, and effective action. We will also engage with leaders in Texas to better understand the scope of invasive species issues across the state and strengthen collaborative efforts where needed.

PBPA Continues Leadership on Endangered Species Issues

PBPA remains at the forefront of legal and regulatory efforts related to endangered species policy. For several years, the Association has worked to address the misuse of the Endangered Species Act by environmental organizations seeking to impose unnecessary restrictions on energy development, agriculture, and private landowners.

Recently, the current Administration has requested a reconsideration of the listing of the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard. PBPA supports this effort and agrees that the listing should be reevaluated, recognizing the success of voluntary conservation initiatives undertaken by industry and private landowners. Our members remain committed to protecting wildlife habitat and conserving species while responsibly developing the natural resources that power our nation. At the same time, a federal listing creates significant challenges for private landowners and operators despite the demonstrated effectiveness of these voluntary conservation efforts.

PBPA will continue advocating for balanced, science-based policies that protect both natural resources and the economic vitality of the Permian Basin. We encourage operators of all sizes to engage in these collaborative efforts as we work with state and federal partners to develop solutions that support responsible energy development while conserving the region's unique habitats and species.

Interior Department Proposes Changes to Federal Oil & Gas Regulations

The U.S. Department of the Interior has proposed revisions to two key federal onshore oil and gas regulations administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM): the oil and gas leasing rule and the waste prevention rule.

Among the proposed changes are reducing the statewide bonding requirement from $500,000 to $25,000 while seeking public input on long-term bonding levels, streamlining the federal leasing process, shortening certain public comment periods, and eliminating several permitting and reporting requirements associated with the waste prevention rule. The proposal also establishes clearer standards for venting, flaring, and royalty determinations to provide greater regulatory certainty for operators.

Once published in the Federal Register, both proposed rules will be open for a 60-day public comment period. PBPA will continue engaging throughout the rulemaking process to advocate for practical, science-based regulations that support responsible energy development on federal lands.

PBPA is proud to support the Midland Fire Department’s effort to remove and properly dispose of PFAS-containing firefighting foam from its fleet of fire engines.

PFAS foam has long been used to combat fuel and industrial fires, but growing environmental concerns have prompted a nationwide transition away from these "forever chemicals." The challenge is that cleaning and transitioning a single fire truck costs approximately $25,000.

We're inviting PBPA members and industry partners to help "Sponsor a Fire Truck." Companies can fully fund a truck or join with others to contribute at any level.

This is an opportunity to support the firefighters who protect our communities and our industry while helping advance a proactive environmental solution for the Permian Basin.

A special thanks to Ovintiv for being the first company to donate!

Interested in contributing? Contact christine@pbpa.info for more information.

Higginbotham is conducting the 10th annual Permian Basin Oil & Gas Compensation Survey, sponsored by the PBPA, to give locally operating businesses data you can use to analyze your pay levels against current market practices.

Pre-Order Your Copy of the Survey Results

• Analyze salaries for over 90 positions
• View reports that show annual base salary/hourly rates, bonuses, target bonus percentages, long-term incentives, and total annual compensation
• Get comprehensive data for budgeting, administering competitive pay levels, and updating compensation structures

How to Order

Click here to pre-order the survey results. After ordering, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the survey by receiving a link to the questionnaire. Order soon to meet the data submission deadline of July 17, 2026.

PBPA Member Discounts

PBPA members who participate in the survey receive the survey results at a 40% discount. Non-participating members receive a 20% discount on the survey results.

PBPA is hosting a New Mexico Site Remediation and Reclamation Forum on August 4th from 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM in Albuquerque, NM. 

The goal of the Site Remediation and Reclamation Forum is to bring speakers whose abstracts were selected by the Association for Environmental Health & Sciences (AEHS) West Scientific Board on Chlorides Remediation topics with potential applicability in New Mexico. A robust question-and-answer session with the presenters will follow the presentations.

The Forum will be held at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (800 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104) in the Franciscan Meeting Room. A buffet lunch will be provided. 

The event will be capped at 80 on a first-come, first-served basis at NO COST. Please let me know of any dietary restrictions when you RSVP to christine@pbpa.info. PBPA looks forward to your attendance and participation!  

RECAP: Clay Shoot + Pit King Challenge

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 PBPA Clay Shoot & Pit King Challenge!

Thanks to the support of our sponsors, volunteers, shooters, and cook teams, this year's event was another outstanding success. The day was filled with friendly competition, great food, networking opportunities, and plenty of fun.

A special thank you goes to our Pit King Challenge teams, who kept attendees well-fed with an impressive variety of delicious entries. We also appreciate all of the registered shooters who served as judges and helped select this year's winner through participant voting. Congratulations to SLB on taking home the trophy for their picanha tacos!

Events like these would not be possible without the continued support of our members and industry partners. We are grateful for your participation and for helping strengthen the relationships that make the Permian Basin energy community so unique.

Be sure to check out our social media pages to view photos from the event, see highlights from the day, and relive some of the best moments!

Committee Meetings

• Regulatory Practices Committee: 7/21/2026

For more information on these or any of our other committees, please contact Christine Dooley at christine@pbpa.info or (432) 684-6345.

MC PPDC provides quality training programs designed to keep oil and gas industry professionals current in their areas of expertise by offering the latest industry updates, as well as providing timely and pertinent educational opportunities. Click the link below for upcoming classes being offered by the MC PPDC in the coming months.

Customized Training Available! For more information contact Midland College PPDC at (432) 683-2832 or cepetroleumtraining@midland.edu

July 13-15, 2026
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, Texas 

Register now for the 2026 RRC Regulatory Conference! 

The Railroad Commission of Texas invites you to their premier three-day training event—the definitive resource for navigating Texas energy regulations, procedures, and processes.

Gain expert guidance on the laws and procedures affecting hydrocarbon production, pipeline safety, and critical infrastructure. Plus, this year they are offering sessions specifically regarding Alternative Fuels Safety and Surface Mining and Reclamation. 

August 5-6, 2026

San Angelo, TX

The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, along with honorary co-hosts Texas Senator Charles Perry and Texas Representative Drew Darby, will hold its 22nd Annual West Texas Legislative Summit on Thursday, August 6th, 2026.

This year’s Summit will focus on state issues with the overarching theme of “West Texas Horizon: Innovating for Opportunities, Grounded in Stewardship”.

The event begins on Wednesday, August 5th, with the Summit Soiree. This year’s Soiree debuts an elevated new format, designed to spark conversation and connection in a relaxed setting. Enjoy an evening of gourmet-style hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails—all in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for mingling.

Permian Basin Petroleum Association | 601 North Marienfeld St., Suite 200, Midland, TX 79701