Oilfield Strong

Is shale gas on the brink of a resurgence? Join host Grant Swartzwelder as he dives into this pressing question with Ryan Duman, Director of Research at Wood Mackenzie. Discover the factors driving renewed interest in natural gas - from rising demand for data centers and LNG exports. This interest is seen with significant international investment in the US and the growth of international shales. T...

In this episode of Oilfield Strong, Grant Swartzwelder talks with Michael Liebreich, Chairman & CEO of Liebreich Associates. They explore Michael’s view of China’s energy policy and how it contrasts to America’s. How is China’s strategy in renewables, electrification, and rare earths reshaping energy geopolitics. This directly ties to China’s and America’s national security, energy transition...

Featuring Austin McDaniel of The McDaniel Company. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode dives into the technical and regulatory details of plugging and abandoning wells. Austin outlines common triggers for P&A—like inactivity, landowner concerns, and failed mechanical integrity tests—while sharing insights from nearly two decades of global project experience. 

Featuring Dwayne Purvis, Petroleum Engineer and Industry Strategist. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode explores plugging and abandonment (P&A) from a liability and economic perspective. Dwayne breaks down the staggering number of wells in the U.S., whether all truly need to be plugged, and how operators might turn these liabilities into valuable assets amid the...

Featuring Dr. Kaylin McDermett, Environmental Engineer at Geosyntec Consultants. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode offers a PFAS 101—explaining what these “forever chemicals” are and why they matter to the oil and gas industry. Dr. McDermett outlines how PFAS are used in drilling, refining, and production, and what new EPA and state regulations could mean for operat...

Featuring Ben Shepperd, President of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode unpacks how the Endangered Species Act is increasingly being used to challenge oil and gas operations. Ben explains the operational and financial implications of species listings and how these regulations impact not only the industry but also the broader c...

Featuring Lee Fuller, Officer of Environment and General Strategy at IPAA. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode unpacks the wide-ranging impacts of OOOOb, the latest update to New Source Performance Standards. Lee discusses critical changes affecting pneumatic controllers, LDAR requirements, and storage vessels, along with the challenges posed by the new Super Emitter...

Featuring Sean Donegan, President and CEO of Satelytics. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode explores the growing role of satellite technology in detecting oilfield emissions with high precision. Sean discusses how operators can leverage this data to protect themselves from Super-Emitter claims, respond to EPA flyovers, and even forecast future issues before they esca...

Featuring Elizabeth Lieberknecht and Daniel Zavala-Araiza of the Environmental Defense Fund. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode examines how EDF uses aircraft and satellite technology to collect methane emissions data across the oilfield. The discussion focuses on the accuracy, usability, and regulatory implications of this data, and its potential to drive more effec...

Featuring Dr. Michael Dourson, Director of Science at TERA. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode takes a global view of PFAS research, revealing how differing scientific methodologies across countries lead to conflicting conclusions. Dr. Dourson explains why these differences matter—especially when it comes to shaping regulations and the potential economic impact on th...

Featuring Lee Fuller, Officer of Environment and General Strategy at IPAA. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode breaks down the critical role of Subpart W in shaping EPA actions like GHG regulations and the Methane Tax. Lee discusses upcoming changes to facility definitions and emissions factors, their potential impact on reported values, and what operators can do now...

Featuring Sarah Stogner, Oil & Gas District Attorney. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode explores the real-world challenges surrounding well plugging and abandonment (P&A) in the oilfield. Sarah shares insights on regulatory roles, industry responsibilities, and the pressing need for accountability—highlighting what’s working, what’s not, and how we can impro...

Featuring Anne Idsal Austin, Founder of Austin Legal & Public Affairs. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode dives into the complexities of NAAQS non-attainment designations, including whether rural oil-producing areas like the Permian Basin are at risk. Anne breaks down the history of air quality standards, what non-attainment truly means, and if re-designation is...

Featuring Mallori Miller, VP of Government Relations for the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). In this episode, Mallori and Grant break down key policy challenges facing the industry. From the endangerment finding and federal land regulations to reconciliation efforts and the impact of government announcements on operators, Mallori provides expert insights into what’s ahead for...

Featuring Ryan Ullman, VP of Governmental Relations for the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), to break down some of the biggest policy battles shaping the future of the oil and gas industry. Tune in as they cover the Congressional Review Act (CRA) effort to eliminate the methane tax (Waste Emissions Charge), dive into tax policy, and discuss other hot-button regulatory issues im...

 Featuring recurring guest Lee Fuller, Environmental Officer at the IPAA. Tune in to hear more on the latest regulatory changes impacting the industry, from the repeal of the methane emissions fee to the broader implications of Endangerment Findings and WEC policies. Fuller provides critical insights into how these shifts will affect producers, compliance strategies, and the future of energy regul...

Jason was so great, we had to bring him back!  In this episode, Grant visits with Mr. Jason Schumacher, Partner and Oil, Gas, Energy, and Transactional Attorney at O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Tune into learn more about the lack of funding and the need for capital, which to nobody's surprise, is a hot issue for oil and gas companies. Discover why and how capital has been constrained to certain segme...

In this episode, Grant visits with Mr. Jason Schumacher, Partner and Oil, Gas, Energy, and Transactional Attorney at O'Melveny & Myers LLP. Tune into learn more about the consolidation of midstream companies and other factors that are making contract negotiations more and more difficult. DISCLAIMER : This presentation is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construe...

Bankruptcy is Back: Consolidating Industry is Hurting Service Companies In this episode, Grant visits with John Mitchell, Partner at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. Tune in to learn more about interest rates, consolidation, and other factors that are leading service companies to resort to bankruptcy. Operators : Learn what to do if your service provider files for bankruptcy protection. Service Compani...

On this episode of Oilfield Strong, Grant visits with Jay Madrid, Co-Head of Dallas at Dorsey & Whitney LLP. Tune in as they discuss non-competes and employment agreements in the current world of acquisitions and mergers. DISCLAIMER : This presentation is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions on any specific facts or circum...

Tune in for a very special and timely episode featuring Congressman August Pfluger.  Join Grant Swartzwelder, President of OTA, and discover more about the threat of nonattainment and the political assault on the oil and gas industry.

Tune in for this very special episode featuring Vivek Ramaswamy. He brings his passionate perspective on the politics of ESG and explains why oil and gas must stop the green washing and double down on corporate performance.

Mr. Shellenberger is an American author and former public relations professional whose writing has focused on the intersection of politics, the environment, climate change and nuclear power. He is the founder of Public, a Substack publication, and author of "Apocalypse Never," a Time Magazine, "Hero of the Environment," an IPCC Invited Reviewer, Green Book Award Winner, and President of Environmen...

Tune in as we discuss the importance of A&D Due Diligence and how Phase I's, Desktop Screens, and Health Checks can help avoid environmental liability. In today's world, one can never be too careful before acquiring assets. 

This special episode features special guest Lee Fuller: Officer- Environment and General Strategy for the IPAA. Mr. Fuller will be joining us and discussing the Methane Tax and Regulations from an Independent's perspective.