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.

Eagle Ford Conference & Expo May 1-2 In Robstown - Press Release

Eagle Ford Conference and Expo

Don't forget about the Eagle Ford Conference & Expo that starts May 1st in Robstown.

Approximately 400 exhibitors will be on hand. Topics covered by the speakers will include natural gas vehicles, road safety & transportation, the economic benefits of the boom, and keeping oil & gas operating costs down.

You can get more information about the event at our Eagle Ford Conference & Expo page and you can Register HERE.

“Presenters will range from policymakers to safety and environmental experts.”

— Jennifer Larivey, VP of the conference

Speakers include:

• Chip Haas, Chesapeake
• Omar Garcia, STEER
• David Ainsworth, Ainsworth Trucking
• Buck Russel, Union Pacific
• David Blackmon, FTI Consulting
• David Porter, TX RRC
• Blake Farenthold, US Congressman
• Bryan Shaw, TCEQ Chairman

Eagle Ford Conference & Expo Schedule

• May 1st at 7:30 am – Arrive at the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds – 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd Robstown, TX, 78380
• May 1st at 5-7 pm – Networking Mixer at Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds
• May 2nd7:30 am to 5:00 pm – Day two of the conference and expo ends with an address from Texas Railroad Commissioner David Porter

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

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.

Economic Impact of the Eagle Ford Hits $61 Billion in 2012 - UTSA - Press Release

Economic Impact of the Eagle Ford Shale

Development of oil and natural gas in the Eagle Ford Shale added more than $61 billion in total economic impact during 2012, according to a study released today by the Center for Community and Business Research in The University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Economic Development. In addition, the region supported 116,000 full-time jobs for workers in oil and gas, drilling, support operations, pipeline construction, refineries and petrochemicals.

Fiscal impacts to the State of Texas are significant. The Eagle Ford added more than two billion dollars in state and local revenue to government coffers in 2012. The continued robust activity in the Eagle Ford stems in large measure from the play’s ability to produce not only natural gas, but also oil and condensate.

“In 2008, we saw very little activity in the Eagle Ford shale. Today, it has become one of the most significant oil and gas plays in the country and has generated a tremendous amount of wealth for Texas,” said Thomas Tunstall, director of the UTSA Center for Business and Community Research, and the study’s principal investigator. “Over the next 10 years, the annual revenue generated and jobs created will continue the steady progress upward, helping to ensure environmental and economic goals can be realized together. The goal is to create sustainable growth for the region.”

Highlights of the UTSA study concluded that shale development:

• generated $61 billion and 116,000 jobs for the 20-county region in 2012
• will generate $89 billion and 127,000 jobs for the 20-county region in 2022;
• added more than $1 billion in total local government revenue in 2012;
• provided $1.2 billion in estimated State revenue in 2012.

UTSA scholars examined the region’s 14 oil and natural gas-producing counties (Atascosa, Bee, DeWitt, Dimmit, Frio, Gonzales, Karnes, La Salle, Live Oak, Maverick, McMullen, Webb, Wilson and Zavala) and the six surrounding counties which serve as staging areas for the oil and gas play. The latter include Bexar and Uvalde Counties as well as Victoria, Jim Wells, Nueces and San Patricio Counties. These supporting counties have seen significant employment growth. For example, Bexar County jobs supported by the shale now exceed 20,000, up from less than 5,000 in 2011.

The study reflects a major surge in Eagle Ford related activity in 2012 as previously announced investments came on line for production, regional headquarter operations, pipelines, rail, supply, services, housing and logistics infrastructure. Early movers continue to consolidate their positions for the long term, notably along the Gulf Coast with new refining and manufacturing investments. The versatility of Eagle Ford was also demonstrated in response to commodity prices, with significant shifts from gas to oil while maintaining high output growth.

About the Center for Community and Business Research at UTSA

The Center for Community and Business Research in the UTSA Institute for Economic Development conducts primary research on community and business development in South Texas and the border region. In addition to the study released today, the Center has published Economic Impact of the Eagle Ford Shale (May 2012), Strategic Housing Analysis (July 2012, in partnership with the UTSA College of Architecture and UTSA Center for Urban and Regional Planning Research), Eagle Ford Shale Impact for Counties with Active Drilling (October 2012) and its Workforce Analysis for the Eagle Ford Shale (October 2012).

"The research conducted at UTSA provides us with valuable information, findings and recommendations related to the Eagle Ford Shale and its impact on Texas' economy," said Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo. "This research is a wonderful resource not only for state policymakers and business leaders, but also for all stakeholders who are working to create sustainable communities throughout the shale region. Equally important, it underscores the critical role of the higher education community in public service and economic development."

For more information about the Center, visit www.ccbr.iedtexas.org. The full study will be available to the public at 3 p.m. on March 28th. Join the conversation on Twitter (#utsaeagleford).

About UTSA

The University of Texas at San Antonio is one of the largest of nine academic universities and six health institutions in the UT System. As a multicultural institution of access and excellence, UTSA aims to be a national research university providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA serves nearly 31,000 students in more than 135 degree programs in the colleges of Architecture, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Liberal and Fine Arts, Public Policy, Sciences and the Honors College, University College and Graduate School. Founded in 1969, UTSA is an intellectual and creative resource center and a socioeconomic development catalyst for Texas and beyond. Learn more at www.utsa.edu.

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

Free Training Offered to Halt Transportation Deaths - Press Release

In response to the high number of transportation related deaths amongst Texas oil and gas workers, Safety Services Company is offering a free online training program in driver safety.

“It is not only important to ensure your employees understand safety while at the workplace, but while driving home from the workplace also,” said Safety Services Company spokesman Michael Rich.

Since 2009, 40 oil and gas workers in Texas have lost their lives while navigating public roads either to or from work.

However, the hazard isn’t confined by the state boundaries of Texas.

A 2013 study published by the Accident Analysis & Prevention Journal, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, found that oil and gas workers are 8.5 more times likely to die in a motor vehicle crashes while on the job than those in other businesses. Reasons for the heightened deaths on the roads ways steam from the fact that oilfield workers often work long hours and must navigate more treacherous roadways to get to isolated work locations.

“Many of these workers are young men who simply are not aware of the potential for death on the roadway,” Rich said. “We want to educate them on these hazards to help save their lives.”

To facilitate this education Safety Services Company is encouraging the owners of companies who work in the oil and gas sector to require their employees to complete a driver safety program.

“Whether they take it through us for free, or get it somewhere else all that is important is that these employees get the training they need,” Rich said.

To take advantage of safety services free training course call 877-427-1503.

For more information visit - www.safetyservicescompany.com

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