Shale 1.0 – in which a technological marvel that coupled horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing revolutionized American oil production and opened vast underground reservoirs to production. Shale 2.0 – in which the plunge of oil prices three years ago taught oil companies how to use data to streamline operations, lower costs and still make money.
Conservation News
UTA extends partnership with Apache Corporation on water quality study in West Texas | Eurekalert | 12-21-17
The Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation (C.L.E.A.R.) at the University of Texas at Arlington and Apache Corporation have extended their partnership to study surface and groundwater quality in the Alpine High region of west Texas.
Expect Frequent, Short Droughts To Become A Way Of Life In Texas | Texas Standard | 12-18-17
October and November are typically wet months in Texas. But this year, October and November appear to be among the driest on record. Now State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon?is warning?the dry conditions could persist. And that has some Texans uttering the d-word ? drought.
Louisiana To Study Interstate Water Sales To Parched Texas Communities | Texas Public Radio | 12-13-17
Many drought-stricken Texas cities have long searched for alternative sources of water, including asking neighboring states for help. ?Now Louisiana has approved a measure to begin studying that very idea.
Oil, water producers work to comply with State Land Office to reduce Ogallala use| Current Argus | 12-12-17
Many oil and gas operators and water producers in the Permian Basin region are adjusting their operations to conserve water from one of the country?s largest underground aquifers, six months after the New Mexico State Land Office demanded companies find another source of water.
Big Spring vs. Big Oil | Texas Observer | 12-11-17
In the heart of the West Texas oil patch, a new fracking frenzy is putting a strain on groundwater.
Charles Phillips was in his pasture one day last year when he heard the sound. At 85, Phillips doesn?t hear as well as he used to, but he had no problem picking up the unmistakable squeal of a drill boring through rock.?That?s odd, he thought.?Why would my neighbor be drilling a water well?
9th Circuit: Federal Reserved Water Rights Applies to Groundwater | Texas Ag Law Blog | 12-4-17
Opponents: Proposed quarry near Florence threatens water supply | AAS | 12-5-17
FLORENCE ?Kambrah Garland Rodriguez stood in the middle of 35 acres of grapevines on a recent afternoon and pointed west to a hill on the outskirts of Florence. That is where an asphalt plant and quarry is proposed to be built, said Rodriguez, one of the owners and partners in a winery called the Vineyard at Florence. The plant has drawn intense opposition from neighbors and officials who say it would use too much water and cause other wells in the area that draw from the Trinity Aquifer to run dry, including the well at the winery.
Texas water board chairman Bech Bruun resigns ahead of likely challenge to U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold | Texas Tribune | 12-7-17
Bech Bruun, chairman of the Texas Water Development Board, resigned Thursday from that position ahead of an anticipated bid to?unseat U.S. Rep.?Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi.
A Market Solution to Texas’ Groundwater Woes? | Texas Standard | 12-5-17
Fracking has dramatically increased the demand for water in the nation?s most productive oil field, Texas? Permian Basin. Water usage has already risen sixfold since 2011, and according to research firm?IHS Markit, demand will double again?by the end of this year.