U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting public comments on Stratos, a proposed project in Ector County southwest of Odessa near Penwell to capture and store an estimated 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide in three injection wells 4,400 feet underground.  The project of Houston-based Occidental Petroleum Corp., under review for two years, would be the largest of its kind in the U.S.

“We know that achieving global net zero by 2050 requires technological solutions that can quickly reduce emissions on a large scale,” William Fitzgerald of Oxy told The Texas Tribune.  “Oxy has been safely and securely storing CO2 underground for more than 50 years.”

Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of oil and gas production, according to The Tribune, and the greenhouse gas traps heat and prevents the atmosphere from cooling.

After hearings Wednesday and Thursday in Odessa, Brandon Maples of EPA said public testimony to EPA Region 6 in Dallas will continue online and in writing through Wednesday, Nov. 6.

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Houston-based HNR Acquisition Corp. said recently it is implementing “improved automation techniques that will lead to operational efficiencies and enhanced oil production.”  HNR said Sept. 12 it contracted with a software provider to test a state-of-the-art application that will allow lease operators in the field to use a single app rather than multiple apps “which will lead to enhanced operations.”  HNR said the pilot program will be conducted with two operators then provided to all its field operators.

Other attributes of the automation include single entry input, optimize routes to wells and tank batteries to reduce miles driven and fuel use, identify wells that are not operating normally to accelerate remediation, and provide a single source for parts.  HNR said the program will improve safety, uptime and environmental compliance.

“This will greatly enhance field operations,” Jesse Allen, vice president of operations, said.  “The field team will be able to identify problems sooner and initiate corrective actions quicker.”  HNR is an independent upstream energy company with properties in the Permian Basin.

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Denver-based LongPath Technologies, provider of advanced methane detection and data services, said last week it is expanding its methane sensing network across the consolidated assets of Vital Energy in Permian Basin.  The expansion “underscores LongPath’s role in delivering practical solutions that help operators manage methane emissions and enhance operational efficiency.”

LongPath’s expanded network will cover a significant portion of Vital Energy’s Permian operations.  The system deployment will provide cost-effective, real-time emissions data to support regulatory compliance and operational improvements.  The deployment demonstrates how operators can enhance methane management by integrating advanced monitoring solutions into their operations.

Ian Dickinson, CEO of LongPath, said Sept. 26, “Expanding the LongPath methane sensing network in the Permian Basin is important since it will provide the emissions data necessary to support ultra-low methane energy production.”

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Public Utility Commission of Texas last week approved Permian Basin Reliability Plan “to ensure the long-term energy reliability and economic prosperity of Texas.”  The plan addresses concerns over insufficient transmission access in the basin.  Texas Oil and Gas Association, in its announcement of the approval Sept. 26, said, “Infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid growth in the region’s energy demand, necessitating a bold approach to ensure that the electric grid is equipped to meet current and future needs.”

Todd Staples, TXOGA president, added, “We appreciate the PUC commissioners and staff, legislative leaders, Rep. Charlie Geren, Sen. Charles Schwertner, stakeholders and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas for the work that has been done to complete this plan and move us forward to this vital transmission buildout.”

Ben Shepperd, president of Permian Basin Petroleum Association, said, “While other states and countries are turning their backs on domestic energy production, decreasing reliability and increasing costs, Texas is again taking the lead to support the abundant, reliable and affordable energy that America and our allies need.  We are proud of the investments that our oil and natural gas operators have made to modernize and electrify assets.”

The approved plan lays the groundwork for critical infrastructure upgrades and increased investment in transmission and distribution capacity as the state explores extra high voltage lines across Texas.

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Hirings, promotions, and other personnel matters in the nation’s biggest oil patch, the Permian Basin—or in companies who do business here.

Mark Lillis

U.S. Energy Development Corporation (U.S. Energy), an E&P with projects throughout North America, on Aug. 7 promoted of Mark Lillis to Director of Investor Relations, a move intended by management to “reinforce their core value of ‘investor first.’” Lillis has served as their Senior Marketing Manager for three years. His promotion underscores the company’s commitment to leverage internal talent to meet evolving business needs. In his new position, Lillis will use his understanding of the company’s operations to enhance its communication and engagement with stakeholders. “I couldn’t be more excited for both the firm and for Mark,” said Matt Iak, Executive Vice President of U.S. Energy. “The combination of Mark’s tenure with U.S. Energy and his analytical ability should be the linchpin our team has desired.” Lillis earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from St. Bonaventure University. With experience as a financial analyst and accountant in the energy, banking, and public accounting sectors, Lillis demonstrates skills necessary to excel. His proficiency in budgeting, capital planning, and project management aligns with the role’s responsibilities, including effectively communicating with stakeholders to convey the company’s financial performance and strategic direction. Said Lillis: “I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue supporting U.S. Energy’s growth in this new role.”

Dave Lesar

Superior Energy Services announced Aug. 15 that Brian Moore has stepped down from his positions as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors. The board appointed Dave Lesar as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Lesar served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Halliburton Company for 17 years and later was promoted to serve as Executive Chairman until 2019. Lesar served as interim CEO of Health Care Service Corporation from July 2019 through May 2020, and as a director from 2018 to July 2020. He served as a director and the CEO of CenterPoint Energy Inc. from 2020 until his retirement in January. In addition, the board has appointed James Brown as President and Chief Operating Officer. Brown served as the Western Hemisphere President at Halliburton Company for more than 10 years, until his retirement in February 2019. Ian Foster, a member of the company’s board, thanked Brian Moore for his dedication to

James Brown

Superior Energy over the last 12 years and said, “Brian’s leadership was instrumental in transforming the company and creating value for shareholders.” Meanwhile, Dave Lesar said, “This is an exciting time to be returning to the energy services sector and Superior represents a unique platform to capitalize on both the opportunities as well as the challenges inherent in the sector. Jim and I look forward to working with the talented employees of Superior as we strive to provide the best service possible to our customers.”

Kevin Vann

Helmerich & Payne announced Aug. 5 the hiring of J. Kevin Vann as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Van was appointed to succeed Mark W. Smith in that role upon Smith’s retirement, which occurred Aug. 15. Vann brings experience in finance and accounting for public companies in the oil and gas industry, which H&P management says will be instrumental as H&P continues to grow and expand its market presence. Before joining H&P, Vann served as Chief Financial Officer at WPX Energy Inc. from 2014 to 2021. Prior to that role, he served as WPX’s Chief Accounting Officer and Controller from 2012 to 2014. From 2007 to 2011, Vann served as Controller of the exploration and production business of The Williams Companies Inc. John Lindsay, president and CEO of H&P, said, “We are excited to welcome Kevin to the team. His experience and vision align with our company’s strategic goals. With Kevin’s background in M&A we are confident that his leadership will continue to maintain and strengthen our existing financial policies, financial strategy, and performance as we look forward to closing our planned acquisition of KCA Deutag. H&P’s long-term financial discipline is a cornerstone of our ability to fulfill our commitments to customers, shareholders, and employees.”

If you have personnel news you would like to announce—promotions, moves, retirements, etc.—please send your information to [email protected].

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Railroad Commission of Texas is accepting public comments through Sept. 30 on its proposal to revise the agency’s rules regulating waste management facilities in the state. “This is the first overhaul of the RRC’s waste management rules in four decades,” the commission said. “The proposed rules factor safety and groundwater protection as well as technological advancements in the energy industry’s resource development in Texas.”
The commission held an in-person hearing Thursday in Austin, and a virtual hearing is scheduled Friday.

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Calgary-based Enverus Intelligence Research said this week M&A (mergers and acquisitions) activity in power and energy transition industries is ahead of the pace set in 2023. Enverus has tracked $79 billion in power asset and energy transition M&A through the first half of the year across 234 deals with a reported value ahead of 2023’s pace of $74 billion. Enverus said Tuesday the count of deals with a disclosed value declined by 35 percent in the same time period.
After recording $79 billion through the first six months of 2024 plus an additional $26 billion so far in 3Q, Enverus called it “a showing of strength for power and energy transition deal markets despite multiple challenges, including macro-economic factors such as sustained higher interest rates that have raised financial costs.”

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Houston-based Milestone Environmental Services said recently it has acquired assets in west Texas from Return Disposal. Milestone acquired slurry injection facilities in Big Spring, Mentone and Midkiff to expand its network to 11 full-service slurry injection facilities, including nine in Permian Basin. Milestone also operates three energy waste landfills in Permian Basin.
The newly acquired facilities will continue to “provide customers with more opportunities to safely and responsibly manage their energy waste, improve logistical operations and reduce their on-lease waste footprint.”
Milestone’s new facilities accept all RCRA-exempt drilling, completion and production waste, and the company also offers full-service truck and frac tank washouts. Gabriel Rio, president and CEO, said Aug. 6, “We are the key partner in the energy value chain by helping our customers manage their waste in a reliable, professional and sustainable way.”

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Tulsa-based Vital Energy recently upgraded its portfolio with a total of 119 long-lateral horseshoe locations in Permian Basin. That follows the successful execution of its first three horseshoe wells in Upton County in Midland Basin. Jason Pigott, president and CEO, said Aug. 7, “In addition to achieving record quarterly production, we are organically adding low-breakeven inventory locations across our leasehold as we successfully implement the technology to drill long-lateral horseshoe wells.”
Vital added 77 new long-lateral horseshoe locations on its existing acreage position with breakeven of $57 per barrel WTI and converted 84 short-lateral locations to 42 long-lateral horseshoe locations – 30 of which breakeven below $50 per barrel WTI.
Vital increased fullyear 2024 total production guidance to 127,000 to 131,000 boed (from 116,500 to 121,500 boed) after reporting 2Q production of 129,400 boed (59,200 barrels of crude oil).

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Matterhorn natural gas pipeline has started moving small amounts of gas from Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast, according to industry executives at a conference in New York City this week. “The Matterhorn is online and moving little bits of gas,” officials at Permian Resources told Reuters. The pipeline should be “moving a real amount of gas in the next few months, and we’re hoping to at least see Waha turn positive.”
Reuters said Thursday, “The Matterhorn is the biggest gas pipe under construction that is capable of moving gas that has been trapped in the Permian Basin, causing prices at the Waha hub in west Texas to turn negative a record number of times this year.”
Matterhorn, a 490-mile pipeline capable of moving up to 2.5 billion cubic feet per day of gas, was scheduled to enter service in 2024Q3. It is a joint venture of WhiteWater, EnLink Midstream, Devon Energy and MPLX.

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