JUNE 2021 Volume 64 No. 6 0621 Cover_Option 1 6/9/2021 4:46 PM Page 1 THE ISSUE The " Better Business " Publication Serving the Exploration / Drilling / Production Industry JUNE 2021 Permian Activity Artificial Lift GOM Tech America's independent producers are launching a new round of drilling and completion projects aimed at optimizing the development of both unconventional and conventional reservoirs. While rising rig and frac crew counts show operators are back in action in a variety of plays, the Permian Basin once again is setting the pace of the recovery. The cover story illustrates how companies of all sizes are entering new phases of development in Permian plays ranging from the Wolfcamp to the San Andres. June's Artificial Lift Technology reports then examine how a new breed of production equipment across the spectrum of mainstream beam pumping to gas lift and jet pumps is advancing the artificial lift tool kit and keeping wells pumping longer even when producers encounter problematic downhole conditions. Finally, the Gulf of Mexico Update special section proposes a new template for deepwater field development that would create mutually beneficial partnerships between smaller independents and third-party infrastructure operators. Industry news includes an Official Issues Update for the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association. Cover photo by James Durbin, The Oilfield Photographer Inc., courtesy of Pioneer Natural Resources Inc. Issue photography courtesy of Liberty Lift Solutions and VanZandt Controls. NEWS 13 | Federal Regulations: EPA nixes another Trump-era transparency measure; Biden administration moves to recriminalize incidental bird takes; Executive order seeks to account for climate costs 15 | State Legislative: Governor vetoes ban on gasoline-fueled vehicles in Washington state 15 | In The Courts: U.S. Supreme Court says more of industry's venue claims deserve consideration in climate litigation; Judge says crude can continue flowing through Dakota Access Pipeline; North Dakota's top court sides with producers on lease language; Louisiana Supreme Court agrees with landowners on legal cost awards 16 | Mergers, Acquisitions, Divestitures and Drilling: Bonanza Creek, XOG team to create Civitas Resources; Alta Resources purchase offers a way into Northeast Marcellus for EQT Corp.; A&D moves remake Laredo Petroleum; Oasis Petroleum sells Permian assets; Ring Energy resumes Northwest Shelf drilling program 29 | Cybersecurity: Biden administration reacts to pipeline attack 30 | Operators Show Resolve To Keep Focus On Returns: Commodity market fundamentals look increasingly bullish, but operators remain especially attuned to investor priorities 85 | Market Signals: Raymond James says NGLs look strong 87 | Investment Trends: Study raises questions about ESG emphasis 88 | Infrastructure: Columbia University study says more pipelines can shrink GHG emissions OFFICIAL ISSUES UPDATE 35 | TIPRO: Advocacy still going strong after three-quarters of a centuryhttps://bluetickinc.com/