Air Permit Approval: Antelope Compressor Station
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently completed its review of a new project notification for Vaquero Permian Gathering LLC’s Antelope Compressor Station in Loving County, Texas. The filing (Permit #181652) was processed and marked complete on September 26, 2025, signaling regulatory clearance for operations at the site. The Antelope Compressor Station, strategically positioned northeast of Mentone, strengthens regional gas infrastructure and enhances takeaway capacity for producers in the heart of the Delaware Basin.
West Texas Oil & Gas Operator Account Directory – $10
Includes: Account Name, Location, Phone, Website, Wells Drilled….
Strategic Importance of Loving County
Loving County may be the least populated county in the United States, but in the energy world it punches far above its weight. Situated in the core of the Delaware Basin, Loving represents one of the most productive slices of the entire Permian. Wells drilled here consistently rank among the most prolific in North America due to favorable geology, stacked pay zones, and access to multiple midstream and downstream markets.
From a commercial perspective, Loving County is a bellwether for Permian investment:
- Geological Sweet Spot – multi-zone reservoirs including Bone Spring, Wolfcamp, and Cherry Canyon.
- High Productivity Wells – operators often achieve some of the best initial production (IP) rates in the Lower 48.
- Infrastructure Hub – proximity to the Waha hub and expanding pipeline networks make it an anchor point for gas processing and takeaway.
As drilling intensifies, the county’s role becomes even more vital: what happens in Loving often sets the tone for broader development trends across the Permian Basin.
Wells Drilled YTD in Loving County
Drilling activity in Loving County continues to highlight the basin’s importance. Year-to-date (2025), operators have drilled steadily across the county, with OXY USA Inc. leading by a wide margin. Below are the Top 10 Accounts by Record Count:
- OXY USA Inc. – 113
- ConocoPhillips Company – 41
- Petro-Hunt L.L.C. – 29
- EOG Resources, Inc. – 28
- Mewbourne Oil Company – 19
- Admiral Permian Resources (APR) – 18
- Permian Resources – 15
- WaterBridge – 14
- Civitas Resources – 9
- TRP Energy – 8
This activity underscores the scale and intensity of development in Loving County, where top-tier operators continue to invest capital into drilling programs despite a volatile commodity environment.
The Vaquero Advantage in the Permian
As operators expand drilling activity, takeaway and processing infrastructure remains a critical piece of the puzzle. Vaquero Permian Gathering plays a central role by offering producers:
- 400 MMscf/d of current processing capacity, with scalability up to 1 Bcf/d on the existing site
- Higher plant recoveries, minimal downtime, and lower fuel usage
- Strategic access to the Waha market, ensuring multiple takeaway options and alleviating regional bottlenecks
By combining scalable infrastructure with a producer-focused approach, Vaquero enables seamless production forecasting, improved netbacks, and financial stability. In many ways, the company represents the connective tissue between drilling activity in Loving County and broader Permian Basin market demand.
