Texas Panhandle oil and gas producers address industry challenges at Amarillo convention

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Oil and gas producers from across the Texas Panhandle gathered in Amarillo for the 97th annual Panhandle Producers and Royalty Owners Association convention, where industry leaders discussed challenges involving water, weather, infrastructure and workforce needs.

The convention gives people who work in the industry an opportunity to share strategies, discuss emerging issues and identify ways to keep operations profitable.

Water availability remains a major concern for the region, according to Richard Beyea, the association’s outgoing chairman.

“Without the Ogallala Aquifer, the Texas Panhandle is a desert,” Beyea said. “I think the first and foremost thing you have to look at is usage — where the water is.”

Attorneys and law enforcement officials also addressed ways producers can protect their operations.

Ashley Hamilton Walker, an associate attorney at Mullin Hoard & Brown LLP, encouraged producers to regularly inspect electrical infrastructure for damage.

“Producers need to be aware, and they need to proactively inspect their electrical infrastructure,” Walker said. “There is any kind of damage that can come along and affect their electrical infrastructure. It can be anything from a tornado or wind or even a crash from a truck.”

Texas Department of Public Safety officials attended the convention to hear directly from producers about criminal activity affecting the industry in the Panhandle.

“We’re here to find out from this particular group, the group of members, primarily what kind of criminal activity they’re seeing within the Texas Panhandle that we can help with and assist in addressing,” said Adam St. Clair, a captain with DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division.

Despite ongoing challenges, officials said the oil and gas industry remains a major driver of the Panhandle and Texas economies.

“Oil and gas are a natural resource that is part of the Panhandle,” said Corey Lain, DPS regional chief for Northwest Texas. “It fuels the state of Texas. It’s a large percentage of fueling for the state of Texas.”

Lain said the industry generates about $24 billion annually in Texas, with the Panhandle accounting for a significant share.

The convention will conclude Friday with a golf tournament at Ross Rogers Golf Course. About 75 golfers are expected to tee off at 9 a.m.

Texas Panhandle oil and gas producers address industry challenges at Amarillo convention (KVII)