TIPRO SUMMER CONFERENCE
The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) proudly hosted our 2025 Summer Conference on August 4–5, 2025, at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. The event included two days of expert insights, industry updates and high-impact networking.
Summer Conference Session Topics
Session topics discussed during the association’s Summer Conference included:
- Oil and Natural Gas Services Sector Innovation and Macroeconomic Trends
The oil and natural gas services industry is expected to see continued technological development in areas like digitalization and automation for further efficiency gains and improved economics. Lyndal Cissell, president of Americas Land for SLB, the world’s largest oilfield services company, shared her thoughts on market drivers and the next era of innovation in the oilpatch.
- Infrastructure, Molecules and Delivering Positive Energy
Energy infrastructure is vital to connecting surging demand with the productive American shale fields. Mike Howard, chairman and CEO of Howard Energy Partners, highlighted the latest industry trends, oilfield innovation, the importance of effective advocacy and the interconnectedness between supply, economic growth, and quality of life.
- In-depth State Regulatory Discussion
With recent changes to the UIC permitting program, new Chapter 4 rules going into effect on July 1, and the inactive well plugging bill passed this past legislative session that will require new rules and process in place by September 2027, Railroad Commission of Texas Chairman Jim Wright and the agency’s director for technical permitting in the Oil and Gas Division, Paul DuBois, discussed with TIPRO those important topics and gave members a chance to ask them questions about the rules implementation.
- Candid Perspectives on the Energy Market and Dealmaking
Energy markets are in flux, and the path forward is neither simple nor obvious. Is the industry at the end of a multi-year consolidation phase or will current lower commodity prices be a catalyst for continued dealmaking? Capital has begun returning after an ill-conceived stampede away from fossil fuels, private companies are thriving, and innovation is redefining what’s possible—but can this momentum survive a downcycle? And where does a vocally pro-energy administration fit into the equation? Panelists Jim C.V. Rogers, vice chairman of Petrie Partners, and Austin Hughes, senior vice president of Petrie Partners, talked with TIPRO about market expectations.
- Oil and Gas Price Outlook for 2026
Over the past year, the global oil and natural gas markets have experienced significant volatility with meaningful changes in the key supply and demand drivers for both hydrocarbons. Marshall Adkins, head of energy for Raymond James, gave an outlook on the latest changes in this rapidly evolving energy macro environment, helping TIPRO members understand what can be expected for both oil and natural gas prices in 2026.
- TCEQ Update – Produced Water, Permitting, and EPA Action Impacting State Enforcement
Commissioner Catarina Gonzales discussed the latest state level reforms impacting the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) including produced water and certain expedited permitting. Additionally, the commissioner provided the latest Environmental Protection Agency actions as they pertain to Texas and how they effect TCEQ’s enforcement moving forward.
- U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – Delivering Responsible Energy Security
Cheniere Energy is the largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the United States and the second-largest LNG operator globally. Nishita Singh, Vice President and General Manager CCL, Cheniere Energy, explained the importance of LNG for Texas producers and global customers, key milestones achieved, federal policy changes that will benefit the buildout of domestic energy infrastructure, and reviewed macroeconomic trends for LNG development.
- CEO Panel – Building Successful Companies and Executing on Strategic Objectives
The growth of the Texas oil and natural gas industry over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. The ability to build companies with integrity, while managing an ever-changing policy landscape, investor expectations, and many external factors, requires leadership character, and a culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Randy Newcomer, Jr., Managing Partner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Riverbend Energy Group, and Gene Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer, VTX Energy, gave valuable insight on building successful companies, managing challenges, executing on strategic objectives, and trends related to domestic energy production.
TIPRO thanks all members and sponsors for their support and participation in this year’s Summer Conference!
