Bedrock Production LLC has officially assumed operational control of the Winston E1 Site in Parker County, Texas, following a permit transfer from EnerVest Operating LLC. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) finalized this change of ownership on May 22, 2025, under Permit #137696, marking a significant step in Bedrock’s strategic expansion within the Barnett Shale region.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) has announced it will lay off nearly 800 employees in Midland County, Texas, according to a notice filed with the Texas Workforce Commission. The layoffs, scheduled to take effect on July 15, 2025, are part of a broader plan to reduce the company’s global workforce by up to 20% by the end of 2026.
In a strategic move aligned with shifting commodity price dynamics, SM Energy is proactively reducing its rig count in the Permian Basin through 2025. The company started the year with 9 active rigs, scaled back to 7 rigs by the end of Q1, and plans to operate just 6 rigs for the remainder of the year. This reduction isn’t reactionary—it’s part of a deliberate capital allocation strategy designed to protect margins and preserve flexibility in a potentially volatile oil market.
he Hugh Brinson Pipeline, a major natural gas infrastructure project led by Energy Transfer LP, continues to move forward as key regulatory approvals are secured. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued Permit by Rule (PBR) registrations for two compressor stations that will support natural gas flow across the pipeline’s 442-mile route through Texas.
As drilling activity accelerates in Western Canada, a comparison of well permits issued from January through May highlights a clear year-over-year rebound.
The Haynesville Shale’s strategic location near Gulf Coast LNG facilities and its high-quality gas make it a prime candidate for continued development. However, operators remain vigilant, balancing expansion plans with market realities. As global demand for natural gas grows, the Haynesville is poised to play a significant role in meeting energy needs.
The factory model isn’t just a tactic—it’s a transformation. The Texas drilling chart reflects more than numbers. It shows that U.S. shale’s greatest strength is its ability to sustain output predictably and efficiently. This matters not only for domestic energy stability, but also for global trade, emissions reduction, and long-cycle investment.
The Permian Basin continues to reshape its operator landscape. In a notable development, ConocoPhillips has transferred 33 air permits to U.S. Energy Development Corporation (USEDC), marking a strategic pivot for both companies. The permits—filed under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)—cover key batteries and wellsites concentrated in Reeves County, including operations near Barstow and Pecos.
The Permian Basin, the beating heart of U.S. shale oil production, is experiencing a notable contraction in drilling activity this spring. Based on a combination of historical data and AI-driven time series forecasting, well permit volumes from March through May 2025 are expected to total approximately 1,790 permits — a sharp decline from the 2,304 permits issued during the same period in 2024.
For over a decade, the U.S. shale revolution was defined by volatility—surging production followed by crashes, layoffs, and bankruptcies. But today, a quieter transformation is underway. U.S. shale is becoming less of a wildcat business and more like a disciplined, high-efficiency manufacturing system.
