The U.S. approved 511 new well permits last week, led by strong activity in New Mexico and Texas, while Permian Resources, EOG Resources, and Exxon (XTO) ranked as the most active operators. The report also identified eight operators appearing for the first time in more than 12 months, highlighting continued investment across conventional oil and gas development, natural gas infrastructure, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy projects, reflecting the ongoing evolution of North America’s energy sector.
First-Time Operators (New Well Permits – First Appearance in 12+ Months)
The latest U.S. new well permit activity includes several operators appearing for the first time in at least the past 12 months, representing a mix of emerging upstream companies, redevelopment specialists, energy infrastructure developers, and carbon management projects. While several are traditional oil and gas producers expanding drilling programs in key basins such as the Permian, Utica, Cook Inlet, and Gulf Coast, others reflect the industry’s continued diversification into natural gas storage, carbon sequestration, renewable fuels, and mining. Collectively, these permits highlight both new exploration activity and the growing investment in energy infrastructure supporting North America’s evolving energy landscape.
Operator Overview Approximate Operated Well Count APEX Energy Operating III, LLC Privately held Appalachian Basin operator focused on developing natural gas resources in Ohio’s Utica Shale and Point Pleasant formations. The company operates approximately 75 horizontal wells and is expanding through new multi-well drilling developments in Monroe County. ~75 wells Coteau Energy LLC Louisiana-based independent operator focused on redeveloping mature Gulf Coast oil and gas fields through strategic acquisitions and operational optimization. 2 producing wells + 1 SWD well HEX Operating, LLC Alaska-based independent natural gas producer developing the Kitchen Lights Unit in Cook Inlet, supplying roughly 10% of Southcentral Alaska’s Railbelt natural gas demand while continuing to expand production. ~7 wells Indian Creek Petroleum & Cattle LLC Small privately held independent combining conventional oil and gas operations with cattle and ranch management. Public operated well information is limited, suggesting a relatively small operating footprint. Not publicly available Louisiana Green Fuels LLC Developer of a carbon-negative sustainable aviation fuel facility integrating biomass conversion with carbon capture and sequestration. The project plans three Class VI CO₂ injection wells but does not operate oil or gas producing wells. 0 producing wells (3 planned Class VI wells) Swordfish Energy Operating, LLC Houston-based private equity-backed Permian Basin operator focused on strategic acquisitions and efficient Wolfcamp and Delaware Basin development. ~43 producing wells Vinton Dome Storage Hub, LLC Developer of a large-scale underground natural gas storage hub in southwest Louisiana designed to support Gulf Coast LNG demand. Initial development includes five planned storage wells with up to 60 Bcf of storage capacity. 5 planned storage wells Wolf Run Mining LLC West Virginia underground metallurgical coal producer operating the Leer Complex. The company is a coal mining business and does not operate upstream oil or gas wells. No oil & gas wells
Executive Summary
Eight operators appeared on U.S. new well permits for the first time in at least the past 12 months, demonstrating continued investment across both conventional upstream development and emerging energy infrastructure. The group includes active oil and gas operators targeting the Permian, Utica, Cook Inlet, and Gulf Coast, alongside companies advancing carbon sequestration, renewable fuels, natural gas storage, and critical energy infrastructure projects that broaden the scope of North American energy development.
US New Well Permits Approved Last Week – Summary
Total Record Count
- 511 new well permits
Record Count by Province / State
Province / State Record Count NM 165 Texas 163 LA 33 KS 25 ND 24 WY 24 PA 15 WV 14 OK 13 OH 12 UT 7 CA 7 AK 6 FO GULF 3
Top 5 Account Names by Record Count
The top 5 operators by record count are: Permian Resources Corporation with 60 permits, EOG Resources, Inc. with 56 permits, Exxon (XTO) with 40 permits, Devon Energy Corporation with 24 permits, and OXY USA Inc. with 21 permits.
Author: phinds
