Managing Natural Resources in the Eagle Ford

41
AdobeStock 98046125
AdobeStock 98046125

As a part of the community in South Texas, the oil and gas industry strives to be a good neighbor. The management of our natural resources is a top priority. We believe we should all do our part to be good stewards of the environment, contribute positively to the communities in which we live and work, and protect and preserve our natural resources.

As the president of the South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable (STEER), I represent 15 of the largest operators in the Eagle Ford Shale region, and the protection of the environment is a top priority for each STEER member. The oil and gas industry in South Texas continues to implement new technologies and programs to develop the much-needed energy resources for the world in a safe and responsible manner.

In addition to providing secure energy resources for our country, the oil and gas industry’s commitment to decreasing spills, reducing emissions, minimizing waste and promoting water management and conservation efforts are paramount.

Clean air requires innovation and factual scientific research and information. With improvements in efficiencies and leading-edge technology, the oil and gas industry is operating with fewer rigs, less trucks and multiple wells on one site. Our operators, along with their contractors, continue to design, test and implement innovative technologies and procedures to improve operations and reduce emissions. Operators are using more natural gas to power operations and more solar power for production sites. Additionally, the installation of vapor recovery units and increased pipeline infrastructure are helping to alleviate the need for flaring.

Many of our companies participate in environmental conservation projects, such as native seed planting, by partnering with various organizations in South Texas. Some STEER members even participate in clean-up initiatives such as trash collecting programs in South Texas. Clean water is a natural resource that our members work in earnest to preserve and protect. Our water sources are vital and limited, and the oil and gas industry is continuously working to find methods to use less fresh water and increase the use of recycled water in the production process. The oil and gas industry actually utilized less than two percent of water in the state of Texas. STEER has presented numerous Eagle Ford Excellence Awards to companies who are diligently doing their part to recycle and reduce water usage.

STEER members will continue to work to preserve our natural resources, and we believe in honoring those companies who do that as well. Our annual Eagle Ford Excellence Awards honor companies working with the oil and gas industry who make preserving the environment and protecting our water supply a top priority. These companies are looked upon as leaders in South Texas and throughout the industry.

I am proud of the work we do to supply the energy resources to the world, while operating as good neighbors. As proud community members, the oil and gas industry will keep doing its part to manage our natural resources in a responsible manner. Our work at being good corporate citizens is never done.

 

About the author: Omar Garcia is President and CEO of the South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable (STEER). STEER connects the oil and gas industry to South Texas communities, facilitating and coordinating communication, education and public advocacy surrounding the production of energy resources in South Texas.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here