Oil and Gas Investor Magazine - April 2025

In this issue of Oil and Gas Investor, Senior Editor of Shale/A&D Chris Mathews explores Uinta Basin M&A, where operators are testing horizontal wells in less developed areas. Additionally, we report from CERAWeek by S&P Global: “NatGas Dominance Vs. Permitting, Tariffs, Layoffs.” Interim Editorial Director Darren Barbee writes that executives at BP, Sempra Infrastructure and API shared concerns that U.S. natural gas prowess could be thwarted by snagged permitting, prohibitive steel tariffs and layoffs of federal workers needed to approve projects. This month also includes the next iteration of our OGInterview, speaking with SM Energy's President and CEO Herb Vogel about the company's growth in Texas and their surprising acquisition of XCL Resources last year in a unique deal with fellow buyer Northern Oil and Gas.

Features

Uinta Still in the Early Innings
Operators are testing horizontal wells in less developed zones, including the Douglas Creek, Castle Peak, Wasatch and deeper benches.

'Golden Age of Natural Gas'
As prices rise, M&A interest shifts to the Haynesville Shale and other gassy basins.

SM Energy Marries Wildcatting and Analytics in the Oil Patch
As the E&P explores in Texas and Utah, Herb Vogel’s approach is far from a Hail Mary.

Uncoiled: Viper Energy Rides to New Heights
With its units coming off an all-time high, Viper Energy made a $4.45 billion Permian acquisition and VNOM units are gaining favor among investors.

Carbon Capture Outlook Shows Signs of Brightening
Companies big and small are responding to global incentives to catch and store CO₂.

Aris Takes on the Permian's 'Wall of Water'
Aris Water Solutions CEO Amanda Brock rings the alarm bell on the Permian’s water takeaway and recycling challenges and how they can be solved.

Grappling with the Major Players
Boardwalk CEO Scott Hallam discusses his company’s niche in the Haynesville and on the west side of the Appalachians.