Big 2 Energy Report: 2011 In Energy
By: Mycah Glover
Updated: December 30, 2011
MIDLAND -- It's been a very busy year for the energy industry in West Texas.
Although there have definitely been some hurdles to jump, the industry as a whole has had a great year.
Here are the five biggest stories of the year in the Permian Basin's energy industry.
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Coming in at Number 5 on our list, is one of the largest ongoing projects in the Permian Basin.
It's been almost exactly a year since the Texas Clean Energy Project received its final air quality permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Summit Power is expected to break ground on the site in Penwell within the next few months.
Along with creating 125 permanent jobs, the plant will be able to capture CO2 -- once it's up and running. That CO2 can then be used for enhanced oil recovery.
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Coming in at Number 4 is a story that is far from over.
Advances in technology has enabled companies to drill in areas that weren't economical before. Gardendale is one of them.
The activity has created a lot of controversy this year, and even prompted one group of residents to get incorporating on the May 2011 ballot -- as a way to add new restrictions on drilling
.
After the votes were counted, the measure didn't pass -- and drilling in Gardendale continues.
********
Coming in at Number 3 is a similar story to Number 4, just less controversial.
Advances in drilling technology have also helped substantially boost small town economies in places like Monahans and Pecos. These cities are currently trying to adjust to the changes and help accomodate their new residents.
********
Coming in at Number 2 on our list is a story that has not only affected the Permian Basin, but the entire state.
After passing the Texas Legislature, the Texas Railroad commission adopted one of the nation's most comprehensive chemical disclosure rules for hydraulic fracturing. The new rules require Texas oil and gas operators to disclose all the ingredients and water volumes used in fracking on a public website.
********
Topping our 2011 energy list is a story that has gained international recognition.
The Sand Dune Lizard has been seen in households all over the world over the past year.
After fighting for months to keep it off the endangered species list due to questionable research, the oil and gas industry was granted a 6 month extension by U.S. Fish and Wildlife on December 1st.
The public has until January 18th to comment on the issue.
You can submit your comments on U.S. Fish and Wildlife's website.
Although there have definitely been some hurdles to jump, the industry as a whole has had a great year.
Here are the five biggest stories of the year in the Permian Basin's energy industry.
********
Coming in at Number 5 on our list, is one of the largest ongoing projects in the Permian Basin.
It's been almost exactly a year since the Texas Clean Energy Project received its final air quality permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Summit Power is expected to break ground on the site in Penwell within the next few months.
Along with creating 125 permanent jobs, the plant will be able to capture CO2 -- once it's up and running. That CO2 can then be used for enhanced oil recovery.
********
Coming in at Number 4 is a story that is far from over.
Advances in technology has enabled companies to drill in areas that weren't economical before. Gardendale is one of them.
The activity has created a lot of controversy this year, and even prompted one group of residents to get incorporating on the May 2011 ballot -- as a way to add new restrictions on drilling
.
After the votes were counted, the measure didn't pass -- and drilling in Gardendale continues.
********
Coming in at Number 3 is a similar story to Number 4, just less controversial.
Advances in drilling technology have also helped substantially boost small town economies in places like Monahans and Pecos. These cities are currently trying to adjust to the changes and help accomodate their new residents.
********
Coming in at Number 2 on our list is a story that has not only affected the Permian Basin, but the entire state.
After passing the Texas Legislature, the Texas Railroad commission adopted one of the nation's most comprehensive chemical disclosure rules for hydraulic fracturing. The new rules require Texas oil and gas operators to disclose all the ingredients and water volumes used in fracking on a public website.
********
Topping our 2011 energy list is a story that has gained international recognition.
The Sand Dune Lizard has been seen in households all over the world over the past year.
After fighting for months to keep it off the endangered species list due to questionable research, the oil and gas industry was granted a 6 month extension by U.S. Fish and Wildlife on December 1st.
The public has until January 18th to comment on the issue.
You can submit your comments on U.S. Fish and Wildlife's website.
