STEER Announces Call for 2013 Eagle Ford Excellence Awards - Press Release

Eagle Ford Excellence Awards Logo

The South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable (STEER), is proud to announce the inaugural 2013 Eagle Ford Excellence Awards. The awards will honor leading companies and contractors in the oil and gas community by recognizing their diligent efforts in three specific areas: community and social investment, environmental stewardship, and safety performance.

“Through these awards, STEER is recognizing companies that set the standard for the oil and gas industry. The 2013 Eagle Ford Excellence Awards will highlight companies that are implementing programs that focus on the safety, preservation and well-being of the communities in the Eagle Ford Shale region,” says Omar Garcia, president of STEER.

The 2013 Eagle Ford Excellence Awards will serve as an opportunity to recognize companies that are conducting activities based on values that are essential for the continued advancement of the oil and gas industry, and that benefit the greater South Texas region. The awards will be given to organizations that exemplify innovation, take initiative and serve the communities in which they work.

“We applaud the efforts of organizations who are dedicated to being a positive and innovative presence in their communities. Through the creation of these inaugural awards, we hope to bring attention to companies and contractors in the oil and gas industry that are concerned with improving the quality of life for those living in the shale region.”

— Omar Garcia

Companies or contractors working in or with the oil and gas sector in the Eagle Ford Shale are invited to submit an entry form.

For more information and to download the forms, visit www.STEER.com.  The deadline for entries is Friday, November 1, 2013.  The award recipients will be recognized at an awards luncheon in San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday, December 11, 2013.

About South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable (STEER)

The South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable (STEER) is the leading Eagle Ford Shale resource in the region and is the primary coordinator for communication and public advocacy surrounding the oil and natural gas industry in South Texas.  With a focus on South Texas, STEER will serve as the bridge connecting the industry and legislature, academia and the communities throughout South Texas to ensure positive collaboration and communication surrounding the activities associated with the Eagle Ford Shale. For more information about STEER, visit STEER.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Lisa Martin lmartin@creativecivilization.com 210.227.1999, ext. 129

The article above was published through EagleFordShale.com’s press release distribution service. Learn more about Eagle Ford Advertising Here.

Ensuring The Future Of South Texas Communities - Op Ed

Omar Garcia STEER

With the 83rd Legislature in session, legislators have a unique opportunity to address county transportation infrastructure needs during this transformative time in South Texas. All eyes are on Texas -- and the Texas legislature as it develops solutions -- for good reason. Texas is known for our innovative platforms, our reinvestment methods and a collaborative spirit that is at the very core of being a Texan.

Cities and counties are forging strategic alliances pertaining to productive development of the Eagle Ford shale region; educational institutions from across the region are ramping up science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) coursework to meet the growing needs of the industry; and communities are attracting increasing numbers of small businesses, new residents and visitors.

The Eagle Ford Is Bringing Economic Prosperity

South Texas is fortunate to be experiencing the benefits of expanded oil and gas activity, astutely described by Forbes as “the blessing that is the Eagle Ford Shale.” Access to bountiful natural resources in this region is truly a “blessing” whose impact will be pronounced for many generations of Texans. But with this opportunity comes a very real need to create and sustain critical infrastructure to meet the growing community and industry’s needs, including roads, housing, medical facilities and other basic necessities.

“Texas is in a favorable growth position as evidenced by the continually-developing Eagle Ford Shale region.”

STEER and its founding members -- Anadarko, Chesapeake Energy, ConocoPhillips, EOG Resources, Lewis Energy Group, Marathon Oil, Murphy Oil Corporation, Pioneer Natural Resources Company, Shell Oil Company, Statoil and Talisman Energy -- are committed to working with our South Texas leaders to identify and share solutions to support and enhance the vitality of the region. The STEER founding members invested more than $12 million in 2012 for a variety of infrastructure needs in South Texas. County officials are limited in their ability to raise funds necessary to repair and maintain impacted county roads. STEER will continue the dialogue with stakeholders in South Texas to assist with finding solutions that will ensure continued prosperity and economic development for the region.

STEER Will Collaborate With Local Communities

Texas is in a favorable growth position as evidenced by the continually-developing Eagle Ford Shale region. The timely release of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute for Economic Development March 2013 report on the Economic Impact of the Eagle Ford Shale, states that the shale now ranks as the largest single oil and natural gas development in the world based on capital expenditures by companies in the industry. Wood Mackenzie Ltd. has calculated that the oil and natural gas operators active in the Eagle Ford Shale will spend $28 billion in 2013, up 68 percent from the $19 billion spent in 2012.

Collaboratively, STEER local community leaders, and state elected officials must work together to promote long-term investment and sustainability in South Texas. Infrastructure improvements and investments made today will pay off many times over, as unprecedented economic impact brings a renewed spirit into South Texas.

By Omar Garcia, President, STEER - South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable

As President of the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable (STEER), Omar Garcia facilitates communication, education and public advocacy surrounding the production of energy resources in the Eagle Ford Shale Region and all of South Texas.

Driving Safety Top Priority for Oil and Gas Industry - Op Ed

Hastings of TXOGA and Garcia of STEER

From Cuero to Carrizo Springs, advances in technology have led to an unprecedented leap in oil and natural gas production in South Texas. Oil and gas activity in the Eagle Ford has generated more than $61 billion in revenuein 2012 and 116,000 full-time jobs, according to research from the University of Texas at San Antonio. In Karnes County, employment in the mining sector, which is mostly oil and gas, jumped 260% and industry wages increased 320%. In Dimmit County, local sales tax revenues recently doubled, apparently thanks to increased oil and gas activity; this is a quadruple-digit increase over two years before.

Without a doubt, increased oil and gas production is turning once sleepy towns into bustling centers for commerce of all kinds. With this increase in commerce, comes an increase in road traffic. While the legislature is wisely considering ways to fund improvements and repairs for roads in South Texas and beyond, oil and gas companies across the board have taken meaningful and pro-active steps to encourage safety behind the wheel. Just as the oil and gas industry takes seriously its responsibility to maintain safe operations and job sites, the industry is committed to promoting safe driving.

Oil & Gas Industry Emphasizes Driving Safety

“Beyond training and equipment, some companies have developed innovative incentive-based programs to help encourage safe driving practices that may include bonuses, raises, or prizes. The point of all of these programs is to establish, maintain and reinforce a focus on road safety for all oil and gas drivers.”

Focus on driving safety isn’t a one-time occurrence. Oil and gas companies provide comprehensive and ongoing training for fleet drivers that incorporate both classroom instruction and practical hands-on training. Instructional programs are often followed by exams to certify that employees and contractors have met necessary standards. Some companies also conduct refresher driver training courses throughout the year and hold weekly safety meetings where they may discuss considerations for driving at night or in hazardous weather. Still others have instituted formal company-wide policies that prohibit cell phone use or texting while driving.

In addition to these courses and company policies, many Texas oil and gas operators utilize the cutting-edge technology to collect and process driver safety data from vehicles including speeding, swerving and hard brake incidents. And, as an added precaution, many also equip fleets with backup cameras, stability controls, anti-lock braking systems, trailer sway control and hands-free devices.

Road Safety Is A Collaborative Effort

Recognizing that keeping the roads safe must be a collaborative effort, the oil and natural gas industry worked closely with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to help develop and spread the word about TXDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign. The public education initiative presents common-sense but critical reminders to drivers to always drive at safe speeds; wear seatbelts; pass other vehicles carefully; always stop at red lights and stop signs; and, avoid distractions such as texting or cell phone use while driving.

“When it comes to road safety, every driver on Texas highways and byways has a role to play.”

The Texas Oil & Gas Association is also a proud partner in Safe Hand Texas, a public safety initiative from Texas Mutual Insurance, which provides educational resources and safety reminders for commercial drivers. Both programs are helping raise awareness about ways we can increase safety on our roads by pulling together public and private entities in a positive and collaborative manner.

As oil and gas opportunities draw people into communities across South Texas, there is no doubt the additional activity will mean an increase in cars and trucks on the road. But we must remember that with this increased economic good fortune, comes increased responsibility – something we all share. The Texas oil and gas industry is committed to powering the state forward, working with statewide and community partners, and keeping safety as our collective priority number one.

By Deb Hastings, Texas Oil & Gas Association and Omar Garcia, South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable

About TXOGA Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) is a statewide trade association with approximately 5,000 members representing every facet of the Texas oil and gas industry including small independents and major producers. The membership of TXOGA represents over 90 percent of Texas’ crude oil and natural gas production, as well as refining capacity, and is responsible for the vast majority of the state’s pipelines. Founded in 1919, TXOGA is the oldest and largest group in the State representing petroleum interests and continues to serve as the only organization which embraces all segments of the industry.

About STEER The South Texas Energy and Economic Roundtable (STEER) is the leading Eagle Ford Shale resource in the region and is the primary coordinator for communication and public advocacy surrounding the oil and natural gas industry in South Texas. With a focus on South Texas, STEER will serve as the bridge connecting the industry and legislature, academia and the communities throughout South Texas to ensure positive collaboration and communication surrounding the activities associated with the Eagle Ford Shale. For more information about STEER, visit STEER.com.

The article above was published through EagleFordShale.com’s press release distribution service. Learn more about Eagle Ford Advertising Here.