The Crude Life Podcast Episode 53
April 20, 2020
Guests/Topics:
Jon Clark, Clark Energy Consulting, gives his thoughts and comments after the Texas Railroad Commission meeting on April 14, 2020.
In Texas, an economic powerhouse, the outbreak and oil shock have created huge risks for the states’ historically strong energy economy, but nothing the state hasn’t managed before.
“Established by the Texas Legislature in 1891, the Texas Railroad Commission is the state’s oldest regulatory agency and began as part of the Efficiency Movement of the Progressive Era. From the 1930s to the 1960s it largely set world oil prices, but was displaced by OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) after 1973.
In 1984, the federal government took over transportation regulation for railroads, trucking and buses, but the Railroad Commission kept its name” according to Wikipedia. The three-member commission was initially appointed by the governor, but an amendment to the state’s constitution in 1894 established the commissioners as elected officials who serve overlapping six-year terms, like the sequence in the U.S. Senate, elected statewide.
No specific seat is designated as chairman; the commissioners choose the chairman from among themselves. Normally the commissioner who faces reelection is the chairman for the preceding two years. The current commissioners (from left to right in photo below) are Christi Craddick since December 17, 2012, Chairman Wayne Christian since January 9, 2017, and Ryan Sitton since January 5, 2015.
When the Railroad Commission was given oversight of the energy industry in March 1919, Texas was awash in wildcatters, speculators and roughnecks drilling oil and gas wells under virtually no regulation. The Commissioners and staff set to work literally writing the book on safe, responsible energy production. Today, our rules reflect a century of regulatory expertise and experience, from well spacing and groundwater protection requirements to seismicity rules to water recycling guidelines.
It has been fifty years since The Texas Railroad Commission has considered market intervention…typically in the form of “pro-rationing.”
But yesterday, in a historic meeting the state took center stage as the three RRC commissioners took testimony from 58 different parties, ranging from oil companies, mineral owners, economists, university professors, industry groups, think tanks, and investors.
It was a day-long-affair. You can imagine how many different viewpoints were expressed.
Clark said he was amazed at how much debate there was around statewide pro-rationing; highlighting various dynamics facing the more than 9,000 independent producers of America.
Click here for Jon Clark’s latest OGBRIEF
Brad Hollier, MSL Oilfield Services, give an update on how their company is adjusting to the COVID-19 Shutdown and coronavirus pandemic.
Hollier gives an update on their European energy activity as well as the United States. Hollier also describes Houston’s current commerce scene.
The interview dives into innovation and environmental energy. Hollier also comments on production optimization as an area of focus.
Daily Radio Update on The Podcast:
Aaron Jordan, president, Black Water Environmental give an update on how their company is adapting to the COVID-19 Shutdown and coronavirus pandemic. Jordan says despite the news in the media, their company is busier than ever.
Daily Headlines:
The Energy Industry’s Next Disruption
Colorado’s oil and gas industry will be a cornerstone of our COVID recovery
Coronavirus: Whistleblower Edward Snowden warns governments are building tools of ‘oppression’
Sponsor of the Day: W.I.C.
W.I.C has been the leading industrial insulation company in the mountain states for over 41 years. We provide our partners with safety, quality, and productivity on every project big or small, but most of all integrity. From insulation and fireproofing to asbestos abatement and scaffolding. W.I.C believes perfection is possible and achievable on all projects. We are Based in the rockies and serving the industry west of the Mississippi (but not limited to).
Leading the Industry in Safety, Quality, and Productivity!
The Earth’s Champion Johnny Green’s Eco-Watch: Green New Deal goes viral, and fails
The Earth’s Champion Johnny Green (pictured on the right)has been traveling across the planet cleaning streets, sidewalks, swamps and souls as part of the Clean Your Mind Tour.
The Eco-Champ is engaging with people from all of Earth’s nations about the eco-realities cell phone usage and environmental energy.
The Greatest Environmentalist on Earth is letting the world know environmentalists have lost their way and Renewables Ain’t Doable Without Fossil Fuelables.
Planet Service Announcement:
Links to Exclusive Interviews:
Jon Clark, Clark Energy Consulting
Brad Hollier, MSL Oilfield Services
Aaron Jordan, Black Water Environmental
The Crude Life Music Crossover: Moody River Band
Studio Sponsor: Hatching Leaders
Phone Line Sponsor: Bakken BBQ
The Crude Life Podcast can be heard every Monday through Thursday with a Week in Review on Friday.
Spread the word. Support the industry. Share the energy.
