The September edition of the PPROA Pipeline in on line. In this edition, there’s rare good news from Capitol Hill on the pending fate of the so-called “spill bill.” Seems the summer recess is more important to Congressmen than passing this bill. So, we get a breather, too.

 

Also in this issue, a salute to Alan Armstrong, Desk & Derrick’s Boss of the Year. You can read President Paul Clark’s thoughts on a meeting between Executive Committee members and staff of the Legislative Sunset Commission. He also focuses on our fall membership drive. This year, it’s critical to increase our headcount so we have an even more relevant impact in the Texas legislature and before Congress. Read more about the effort to “bulk up” below.

 

As usual, you can opt out of the hard copy version of the newsletter. Or, you can continue to do both. Just e-mail us if you change your mind.

 

Of course, we’re always interested in what you think about the Pipeline. Let us know what you like, don’t like or would like to see more of.
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Texas faces a deficit. It’s inevitable that lawmakers will turn to our industry again to do more than our share to make up the difference. We’ve got a challenging time ahead, focusing on maintaining the status quo.

 

In the past, we have had little trouble stating our case to law makers and getting equitable treatment. We’ve also had little trouble telling our story in the newspapers and on radio and television. The rise of the Internet has changed all that. Now, in a matter of minutes rather than hours or days, a rumor, a half-truth or outright lie can circle the world.

 

So, we have twin challenges in the coming legislature: make sure legislators understand how our industry contributes to the well-being of Texas and how new burdensome environmental regulations will do nothing but cripple our ability to pull more than our part of the load.  

 

PPROA and other oil and gas associations answer these challenges in Austin and Washington. That’s our most important job. It’s also the most expensive. There’s a lot of travel time, many nights away from home base. So that we can stay on the job and do our part, we need your help. 

 

Not only do more members bring in more dollars, they add to the headcount we can point to when elected officials and regulators wonder out loud just how much support PPROA has.

 

You may not have given it much thought, but you probably know future members of the Panhandle Producers & Royalty Owners Association. How about your workover contractor? Does your attorney belong? What about the royalty owners you send run checks every month? What about the parts supply where you’ve done business over the years?  How about your accountant, truck dealership, geologist, contract landman? Shouldn’t they be PPROA members?