FEBRUARY 2022 Volume 65 No. 2 0222 Cover_Flaherty 2/11/2022 2:52 PM Page 1 THE ISSUE The " Better Business " Publication Serving the Exploration / Drilling / Production Industry FEBRUARY 2022 Planet Permian Resource Science Oil Field Chemistry The Permian Basin's world-class resource plays are shining as bright as the sun. The Permian is firmly positioned at the center of the oil and gas universe, exerting an extensive gravitational pull on the energy picture both in the United States and across the globe, and charting new frontiers in the application of unconventional technologies. February's cover story reveals how Permian players of all sizes are helping redefine the state of the art in drilling, completion and production capabilities. Resource Science Part II dives into a novel approach to analyzing produced water that is helping Devon Energy understand and improve its Powder River Basin wells. Then, Oil Field Chemistry highlights emerging treatments and deployment techniques that can prevent downtime and boost production. Industry news includes Official Convention Sections for IOGA and LOGA. Cover design by Amanda DeMoss. Issue photography by Robert Flaherty; and by Nicol Ireland, courtesy of Atlas Sand Company LLC, and Jacam Catalyst. NEWS 14 | In the Courts: Federal appeals court nixes important permit for Mountain Valley Pipeline; Judge cites GHGs to cancel largest offshore oil and gas lease sale in U.S. history 16 | International Demand: European Union looks to deem some natural gas projects sustainable 17 | Offshore Trends: Report points to recovery in global offshore rig market 17 | Mergers and Acquisitions: Chief purchase expands Chesapeake's Marcellus holdings; Civitas obtains Bison Oil & Gas II to grow in DJ Basin; Earthstone Energy obtains Permian-focused Bighorn 18 | Associations: IAGC changes name to EnerGeo Alliance 28 | OOGA: Group prepares for 75th Annual Convention 74 | Well Plugging: Interior offers federal funds for orphaned wells 76 | Industry Upswing: KC Fed survey shows more oil and gas activity and suggests more on the way 79 | INOGA: Indiana industry leaders honored 81 | IEA Analysis: Durability of demand surprises agency OFFICIAL CONVENTION SECTIONS 31 | IOGA: Illinois association hits diamond anniversary 34 | LOGA: Multidimensional Louisiana industry keeps on keeping on SPECIAL FEATURE 26 | Fundamentals Hearten Energy Companies Amid robust commodity prices and an increasingly encouraging long-range outlook, oil and gas producers are loosening their purse strings to take advantage of opportunities. Savvy lenders are supporting this activity. by Mari Salazar and Jason Reimboldhttp://www.bluetickinc.com