Jason Modglin, president, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, talked about their recent survey of more than 160 oil and gas professionals.

The interview also discusses industry’s disconnect with government leaders, business executives and regulators, with publicly-traded company The North Face’s recent action of rejecting business due to the buyer’s professional lifestyle.

The survey, representing a broad cross-section of the industry, the respondents weighed in on their concerns, challenges, priorities, and outlook. They also provided pointed suggestions for federal and state officials heading into 2021.

For the top concerns, challenges, and priorities, respondents chose up to three:

Biggest Macro-level Concerns:

* The price of oil (59%)* Demand for oil and gas (47%)* Federal overregulation (43%)

Among

the executives surveyed (37% of survey takers), “environmental

activism/overreach” is a top three concern (37%) while more than

one-third are worried about federal overregulation. For all other

respondents, federal overregulation is the second biggest concern (47%).

Business Challenges: With those concerns in context, the top three challenges are:

* Maintaining the business (46% – 56% for executives) – Also the top 2021 priority. Executives see* Growing the business (34%)* Lack of budget (29% – 25% for executives)

Top 2021 Priorities: In addition to maintaining and growing the business, “increase production” is a top priority for 2021 (33%):

* Independent producers chose increase production as number one (62%).* Executives chose “improve project margins” as their third biggest priority (30%).

2021 Outlook

Despite

the issues confronting the industry, 75 percent of respondents believe

the industry will be better (44%) or about the same (31%) one year from

now. Regarding their own business outlook for 2021, about 70% are

neutral (38%) or positive (33%), while nearly one-third are negative. 

“Our

industry is resilient, and the optimism reflected here shows that,”

said Jason Modglin, President of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.

“Concerns about economic conditions and burdensome federal overreach

are very real, but these results and comments demonstrate a

determination to fight and persevere.”

Respondent Recommendations

How

to tackle all these challenges, concerns, and priorities in 2021 are

the looming questions. The respondents had plenty to say via three

open-ended questions asking what one thing the State of Texas and the

Federal Government can do to improve the industry, and the best way to

defend the industry against activities/detractors.

A variety of suggestions emerged from these queries:

More Education, PR and Marketing: Citing

a lack of understanding about the industry’s positive impacts, the

respondents highlighted the need for increased public education, public

relations, and marketing across all three questions.

Sample comments:

* “Tell

the story of why this is an industry that benefits local communities,

Jason Modglin, president, Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, talked about their recent survey of more than 160 oil and gas professionals.

The interview also discusses industry’s disconnect with government leaders, business executives and regulators, with publicly-traded company The North Face’s recent action of rejecting business due to the buyer’s professional lifestyle.

The survey, representing a broad cross-section of the industry, the respondents weighed in on their concerns, challenges, priorities, and outlook. They also provided pointed suggestions for federal and state officials heading into 2021.

For the top concerns, challenges, and priorities, respondents chose up to three:

Biggest Macro-level Concerns:

* The price of oil (59%)* Demand for oil and gas (47%)* Federal overregulation (43%)

Among

the executives surveyed (37% of survey takers), “environmental

activism/overreach” is a top three concern (37%) while more than

one-third are worried about federal overregulation. For all other

respondents, federal overregulation is the second biggest concern (47%).

Business Challenges: With those concerns in context, the top three challenges are:

* Maintaining the business (46% – 56% for executives) – Also the top 2021 priority. Executives see* Growing the business (34%)* Lack of budget (29% – 25% for executives)

Top 2021 Priorities: In addition to maintaining and growing the business, “increase production” is a top priority for 2021 (33%):

* Independent producers chose increase production as number one (62%).* Executives chose “improve project margins” as their third biggest priority (30%).

2021 Outlook

Despite

the issues confronting the industry, 75 percent of respondents believe

the industry will be better (44%) or about the same (31%) one year from

now. Regarding their own business outlook for 2021, about 70% are

neutral (38%) or positive (33%), while nearly one-third are negative. 

“Our

industry is resilient, and the optimism reflected here shows that,”

said Jason Modglin, President of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.

“Concerns about economic conditions and burdensome federal overreach

are very real, but these results and comments demonstrate a

determination to fight and persevere.”

Respondent Recommendations

How

to tackle all these challenges, concerns, and priorities in 2021 are

the looming questions. The respondents had plenty to say via three

open-ended questions asking what one thing the State of Texas and the

Federal Government can do to improve the industry, and the best way to

defend the industry against activities/detractors.

A variety of suggestions emerged from these queries:

More Education, PR and Marketing: Citing

a lack of understanding about the industry’s positive impacts, the

respondents highlighted the need for increased public education, public

relations, and marketing across all three questions.

Sample comments:

* “Tell

the story of why this is an industry that benefits local communities,

The Crude Life Week in Review Episode 386

On our weekly Mining Money segment, Imran Khan of Swan Energy explains why oil and gas investing is primed for the next decade. Examples from electric car transitions to the world’s aging population’s reliance on medical facilities and the power grid are discussed in detail.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer gives an outlook for energy companies as they prepare for 2021. Cramer discusses in detail one of the main issue upfront is federal leases.

Cramer explains how the western states will be hit hard by a federal ban with North Dakota getting hit hard. He says that the unique nature of mineral ownership involve private, state, tribal, and federal minerals often within the same section or spacing unit.

Cramer talks about working with president-elect Joe Biden what to expect with a Biden/Kamala presidency. He says that so far many of the announced members of leadership seem to be the same faces from Barack Obama’s presidency.

In the weekly #FossilFuelFridays segment, Ken Lavin with Winter Mud LLC. and Matthew Hill with Knight Energy Services, LLC talk to Byron Cottingham, P.E., Cottingham Consulting.

About The Crude Life Week in Review

The Crude Life Week in Review is a weekly news and lifestyle program currently airing on radio stations, podcasts and online news portals.  The program focuses on the energy industry and its impact on innovation, communities, workers and the economy.

The Crude Life Week in Review has been broadcasting on radio stations since 2012 and posts all updates and interviews on The Crude Life Social Media Network.

Award winning interviewer and broadcast journalist Jason Spiess engages the industry’s best thinkers, writers, politicians, business leaders, scientists, entertainers, community leaders, cafe owners and other newsmakers in one-on-one interviews and round table discussions.

Spread the word. Support the industry. Share the energy.

Follow on YouTube

Follow on Facebook

The Crude Life Week in Review Episode 386

On our weekly Mining Money segment, Imran Khan of Swan Energy explains why oil and gas investing is primed for the next decade. Examples from electric car transitions to the world’s aging population’s reliance on medical facilities and the power grid are discussed in detail.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer gives an outlook for energy companies as they prepare for 2021. Cramer discusses in detail one of the main issue upfront is federal leases.

Cramer explains how the western states will be hit hard by a federal ban with North Dakota getting hit hard. He says that the unique nature of mineral ownership involve private, state, tribal, and federal minerals often within the same section or spacing unit.

Cramer talks about working with president-elect Joe Biden what to expect with a Biden/Kamala presidency. He says that so far many of the announced members of leadership seem to be the same faces from Barack Obama’s presidency.

In the weekly #FossilFuelFridays segment, Ken Lavin with Winter Mud LLC. and Matthew Hill with Knight Energy Services, LLC talk to Byron Cottingham, P.E., Cottingham Consulting.

About The Crude Life Week in Review

The Crude Life Week in Review is a weekly news and lifestyle program currently airing on radio stations, podcasts and online news portals.  The program focuses on the energy industry and its impact on innovation, communities, workers and the economy.

The Crude Life Week in Review has been broadcasting on radio stations since 2012 and posts all updates and interviews on The Crude Life Social Media Network.

Award winning interviewer and broadcast journalist Jason Spiess engages the industry’s best thinkers, writers, politicians, business leaders, scientists, entertainers, community leaders, cafe owners and other newsmakers in one-on-one interviews and round table discussions.

Spread the word. Support the industry. Share the energy.

Follow on YouTube

Follow on Facebook

Interview and notes by Content Correspondent Genneca Houser

Recently, we got to have a conversation with Mark Watson, the Supervisor for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. We discuss some projects from this past year including a look into the Orphan Well Program and the Energy Rebound Project. We talk about the impacts of COVID-19 regulations, the possibility of new regulations, the possible effects of the new administration, and a look into what recovery may have in store for Wyoming Oil and Gas. 

1:00 – We begin with a short introduction of Mark Watson and his position at the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. 1:50 – Mark shares a brief overview of the WOGCC and how they are self-funded. He also shares some introductory information regarding the Orphan Well Program and the Energy Rebound Project.

“You know, it kept a lot of people employed and these companies know that we still have maybe 1500 more wells to plug. So, you know, they’re going to stay busy for the next couple of years…” – Mark Watson talking about the Orphan Wells Program (6:44)

7:20 – Mark shares the low point in production over the last year. He takes a moment to explain a couple of the main factors contributing to the decline leading to 3 days of a zero rig count in August.9:17 – Mark shares his take on what the foreseeable future looks like in terms of recovery for the oil and gas industry.

“Once you get airlines back and people traveling again, that’s when we’ll start using hydrocarbons again and you’ll start to see the price, probably fall of 2021you know things will starts blowing back up…” – Mark Watson (9:40)

10:50 – Covid has changed a few things in the oil field as well; Mark talks a little bit about the precautions companies may be taking to keep people healthy. There’s also a look into the possibility of more “green” regulations in Wyoming, and wariness in the industry due to the impending new administration.

“We’re just trying to get through this era and we can worry about new regulations in the future.” – Mark Watson (11:59)

13:50 – Mark talks about the industry as Wyoming’s “bread and butter” and how they’ll be pushing to get back to work with the budget shortfalls. Plus, a quick look at how lifting the Commission Tax from April until September affected the industry and workers.

“If we basically cancel the conservation tax for six months it affects everybody from the biggest to the smallest company.” – Mark Watson (14:53)

15:39 – Mark talks about how our wells are coming back; the rig count is up to 6 right now. Most are horizontal wells. So, we talk a bit more about the growing of popularity horizontal wells and a short history on how horizontal wells began. We also talk a little bit about the possibility of horizontal wells being an issue in the future when it comes to plugging them off when they are no longer economical.

“If you have a good reservoir and the price is right, companies are gonna’ drill.” Mark Watson (16:11)

20:28 – Mark gives a comparison of  how many conventional wells are in Wyoming versus unconventional, or horizontal wells. Mark then goes on to talk a bit about logistics when it comes to handling who and how wells get plugged whether it’s private, state, or federal minerals being drilled.

“The industry is pretty resilient and they always come back. It’s just a matter of how long it takes.” – Mark Watson (22:50)

For more information, follow these links:

Interview and notes by Content Correspondent Genneca Houser

Recently, we got to have a conversation with Mark Watson, the Supervisor for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. We discuss some projects from this past year including a look into the Orphan Well Program and the Energy Rebound Project. We talk about the impacts of COVID-19 regulations, the possibility of new regulations, the possible effects of the new administration, and a look into what recovery may have in store for Wyoming Oil and Gas. 

1:00 – We begin with a short introduction of Mark Watson and his position at the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. 1:50 – Mark shares a brief overview of the WOGCC and how they are self-funded. He also shares some introductory information regarding the Orphan Well Program and the Energy Rebound Project.

“You know, it kept a lot of people employed and these companies know that we still have maybe 1500 more wells to plug. So, you know, they’re going to stay busy for the next couple of years…” – Mark Watson talking about the Orphan Wells Program (6:44)

7:20 – Mark shares the low point in production over the last year. He takes a moment to explain a couple of the main factors contributing to the decline leading to 3 days of a zero rig count in August.9:17 – Mark shares his take on what the foreseeable future looks like in terms of recovery for the oil and gas industry.

“Once you get airlines back and people traveling again, that’s when we’ll start using hydrocarbons again and you’ll start to see the price, probably fall of 2021you know things will starts blowing back up…” – Mark Watson (9:40)

10:50 – Covid has changed a few things in the oil field as well; Mark talks a little bit about the precautions companies may be taking to keep people healthy. There’s also a look into the possibility of more “green” regulations in Wyoming, and wariness in the industry due to the impending new administration.

“We’re just trying to get through this era and we can worry about new regulations in the future.” – Mark Watson (11:59)

13:50 – Mark talks about the industry as Wyoming’s “bread and butter” and how they’ll be pushing to get back to work with the budget shortfalls. Plus, a quick look at how lifting the Commission Tax from April until September affected the industry and workers.

“If we basically cancel the conservation tax for six months it affects everybody from the biggest to the smallest company.” – Mark Watson (14:53)

15:39 – Mark talks about how our wells are coming back; the rig count is up to 6 right now. Most are horizontal wells. So, we talk a bit more about the growing of popularity horizontal wells and a short history on how horizontal wells began. We also talk a little bit about the possibility of horizontal wells being an issue in the future when it comes to plugging them off when they are no longer economical.

“If you have a good reservoir and the price is right, companies are gonna’ drill.” Mark Watson (16:11)

20:28 – Mark gives a comparison of  how many conventional wells are in Wyoming versus unconventional, or horizontal wells. Mark then goes on to talk a bit about logistics when it comes to handling who and how wells get plugged whether it’s private, state, or federal minerals being drilled.

“The industry is pretty resilient and they always come back. It’s just a matter of how long it takes.” – Mark Watson (22:50)

For more information, follow these links:

Interview by Content Correspondent Genneca Houser.

If you’ve been wondering how trade of natural gas globally is faring, this would be a good conversation to listen to. Charlie Riedl, the Executive Director for the Center for Liquid Natural Gas, took some time to talk a bit about some struggles over the past year, an outlook into the future, integration with renewable energy and more. 0:27 – Charlie Riedl has been with CLNG for six years and begins with a short explanation of who CLNG is and what they do around the world. 

1:50 – We dive right into the heavier topics beginning with the China Trade Agreement from earlier this year. Charlie explains what was going on before the agreement, and what we’ve

“I don’t think the Chinese are going to come anywhere close to hitting the phase one trade agreement that was struck between the US and China…” – Charlie Riedl (3:03)

4:33 – Charlie discusses how the global exports of LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) were affected by the trade and tariff disputes. He also discusses how the global LNG trade is recovering now and how the unstable trade with China has slowed growth and progression for LNG in the US.

“So between China and the pandemic, 2020 is almost a bit of a lost year for the LNG industry as we’re thinking about the new commercial buildout of facilities.” – Charlie Riedl (7:25)

7:48 – The pandemic affected nearly everything; Charlie talks about how the pandemic affected the demand for LNG worldwide. He goes on to predict recovering numbers getting almost back to what has been seen in the past as “normal.”

9:30 – A winter months prediction: we will most likely be seeing an increase in demand for natural gas even as production decreases slightly. 10:59 – We discuss the potential impacts of the pending Biden/Harris administration. Charlie talks about why he doesn’t believe there will be as much impact on production and trade as many people may think.

“I think that we’ll be able to manage and work with a Biden administration as we did with an Obama and Trump administration.” Charlie Riedl (13:43)

14:15 – Charlie discusses how far we’ve come in terms of clean natural gas in the US. He refers to United States methods as a sort of a “blueprint” for the rest of the world. Charlie also touches on the idea of banning fossil fuels and what future integration of LNG with renewable energy can do for the world.

“We’re seeing renewables as well start to emerge as a partner with natural gas.” – Charlie Riedl (15:50) 

17:12 – With as quickly and efficiently as the US is moving forward with innovations in clean natural gas energy, Charlie discusses how other countries across the globe will be able to benefit from what is being done in the United States.

19:00 – Charlie talks about looking forward to the future noting that there are several positive signs that point to a good recovery into the next year. He says the next step is to be prepared to help answer any challenges as an industry.

“I expect that by the end of 2021 you know, as it relates to gas I mean, we will see sort of things back to where they were before.” – Charlie Riedl (19:31)

For more information, take a look into these links:

LNG Export Markets – CLNG...

Interview by Content Correspondent Genneca Houser.

If you’ve been wondering how trade of natural gas globally is faring, this would be a good conversation to listen to. Charlie Riedl, the Executive Director for the Center for Liquid Natural Gas, took some time to talk a bit about some struggles over the past year, an outlook into the future, integration with renewable energy and more. 0:27 – Charlie Riedl has been with CLNG for six years and begins with a short explanation of who CLNG is and what they do around the world. 

1:50 – We dive right into the heavier topics beginning with the China Trade Agreement from earlier this year. Charlie explains what was going on before the agreement, and what we’ve

“I don’t think the Chinese are going to come anywhere close to hitting the phase one trade agreement that was struck between the US and China…” – Charlie Riedl (3:03)

4:33 – Charlie discusses how the global exports of LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) were affected by the trade and tariff disputes. He also discusses how the global LNG trade is recovering now and how the unstable trade with China has slowed growth and progression for LNG in the US.

“So between China and the pandemic, 2020 is almost a bit of a lost year for the LNG industry as we’re thinking about the new commercial buildout of facilities.” – Charlie Riedl (7:25)

7:48 – The pandemic affected nearly everything; Charlie talks about how the pandemic affected the demand for LNG worldwide. He goes on to predict recovering numbers getting almost back to what has been seen in the past as “normal.”

9:30 – A winter months prediction: we will most likely be seeing an increase in demand for natural gas even as production decreases slightly. 10:59 – We discuss the potential impacts of the pending Biden/Harris administration. Charlie talks about why he doesn’t believe there will be as much impact on production and trade as many people may think.

“I think that we’ll be able to manage and work with a Biden administration as we did with an Obama and Trump administration.” Charlie Riedl (13:43)

14:15 – Charlie discusses how far we’ve come in terms of clean natural gas in the US. He refers to United States methods as a sort of a “blueprint” for the rest of the world. Charlie also touches on the idea of banning fossil fuels and what future integration of LNG with renewable energy can do for the world.

“We’re seeing renewables as well start to emerge as a partner with natural gas.” – Charlie Riedl (15:50) 

17:12 – With as quickly and efficiently as the US is moving forward with innovations in clean natural gas energy, Charlie discusses how other countries across the globe will be able to benefit from what is being done in the United States.

19:00 – Charlie talks about looking forward to the future noting that there are several positive signs that point to a good recovery into the next year. He says the next step is to be prepared to help answer any challenges as an industry.

“I expect that by the end of 2021 you know, as it relates to gas I mean, we will see sort of things back to where they were before.” – Charlie Riedl (19:31)

For more information, take a look into these links:

LNG Export Markets – CLNG...

The Crude Life Morning Show Play Hard Work Hard is a daily (Mon-Fri) lifestyle program to start your day. Play Hard Work Hard will air every weekday morning at 7am CT. Each daily program will air for 90-120 minutes, with the first hour playing hard before working hard in hour number two.

This pilot program is intended to show listeners, future guests and potential sponsors what the “look and feel” of the program will be like starting January 2021.

HOUR ONE: Energy News, Sports, Pop Culture, Events, Money, Music, Live Guests and more. It’s Play Hard time!

HOUR TWO: Time to Work Hard. Industry experts, newsmaker interviews and other relevant energy related discussions.

Play Hard Portion (Hour One)

Host Jason Spiess and Co-Host Sterling start the show off by explaining how it will have a “built-in” International audience once episode 1 is “dropped”. Sterling spent close to a decade living, going to school and growing up in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His father worked for Ramco, which became Aramco, which became Saudi Aramco.

He shares a few stories about what life was like going to elementary school there, reaching drinking age and what the “compound” was like.

Sterling also describes what an AramcoBrat is.

The two also interview Jeff Roach, president, Houston International Equipment, USA Operations during The Crude Life Morning Show: Play Hard Work Hard, Thursday edition of the pilot recording.

Roach talks about his decision to go public on LinkedIn about his frustration with The North Face and Bulwark FR’s. He cites passion and ethics as a foundation for his activism.

Shortly after posting his opinion on LinkedIn and pointing out the hypocrisy, LinkedIn pulled the post for “bullying and harassment”.

Jason Spiess cited an interview he did with Dayton Marze in November of 2019 how his order for bulk Patagonia backpacks was rejected due to his company’s affiliation with the oil and gas industry.

In the Morning Grab Bag segment (new name being considered), caffeine facts are shared, discussed and pontificated between Jason and Sterling. Threads include Frasier and Friends’ propaganda, Jolt’s unbelievable in-your-face-marketing to drinking coffee to your literal death.

Work Hard Portion (Hour Two)

MultiMedia Journalist Jason Spiess (left) with U.S. Congressman Kevin Cramer (right).

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer gives an outlook for energy companies as they prepare for 2021. Cramer discusses in detail one of the main issue upfront is federal leases.

Cramer explains how the western states will be hit hard by a federal ban with North Dakota getting hit hard. He says that the unique nature of mineral ownership involve private, state, tribal, and federal minerals often within the same section or spacing unit.

Cramer talks about working with president-elect Joe Biden what to expect with a Biden/Kamala presidency. He says that so far many of the announced members of leadership seem to be the same faces from Barack Oba...

The Crude Life Morning Show Play Hard Work Hard is a daily (Mon-Fri) lifestyle program to start your day. Play Hard Work Hard will air every weekday morning at 7am CT. Each daily program will air for 90-120 minutes, with the first hour playing hard before working hard in hour number two.

This pilot program is intended to show listeners, future guests and potential sponsors what the “look and feel” of the program will be like starting January 2021.

HOUR ONE: Energy News, Sports, Pop Culture, Events, Money, Music, Live Guests and more. It’s Play Hard time!

HOUR TWO: Time to Work Hard. Industry experts, newsmaker interviews and other relevant energy related discussions.

Play Hard Portion (Hour One)

Host Jason Spiess and Co-Host Sterling start the show off by explaining how it will have a “built-in” International audience once episode 1 is “dropped”. Sterling spent close to a decade living, going to school and growing up in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. His father worked for Ramco, which became Aramco, which became Saudi Aramco.

He shares a few stories about what life was like going to elementary school there, reaching drinking age and what the “compound” was like.

Sterling also describes what an AramcoBrat is.

The two also interview Jeff Roach, president, Houston International Equipment, USA Operations during The Crude Life Morning Show: Play Hard Work Hard, Thursday edition of the pilot recording.

Roach talks about his decision to go public on LinkedIn about his frustration with The North Face and Bulwark FR’s. He cites passion and ethics as a foundation for his activism.

Shortly after posting his opinion on LinkedIn and pointing out the hypocrisy, LinkedIn pulled the post for “bullying and harassment”.

Jason Spiess cited an interview he did with Dayton Marze in November of 2019 how his order for bulk Patagonia backpacks was rejected due to his company’s affiliation with the oil and gas industry.

In the Morning Grab Bag segment (new name being considered), caffeine facts are shared, discussed and pontificated between Jason and Sterling. Threads include Frasier and Friends’ propaganda, Jolt’s unbelievable in-your-face-marketing to drinking coffee to your literal death.

Work Hard Portion (Hour Two)

MultiMedia Journalist Jason Spiess (left) with U.S. Congressman Kevin Cramer (right).

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer gives an outlook for energy companies as they prepare for 2021. Cramer discusses in detail one of the main issue upfront is federal leases.

Cramer explains how the western states will be hit hard by a federal ban with North Dakota getting hit hard. He says that the unique nature of mineral ownership involve private, state, tribal, and federal minerals often within the same section or spacing unit.

Cramer talks about working with president-elect Joe Biden what to expect with a Biden/Kamala presidency. He says that so far many of the announced members of leadership seem to be the same faces from Barack Oba...