Jordan Soto, Hart Energy Staff: The night is just getting started with Hart Energy Live, our 50th anniversary and Hall of Fame event. We have a lot of Hall of Famers here today. Joining us is Ken Waits, CEO [of] Mewbourne Oil Co. Thank you so much for being here.
Ken Waits: Well, you're welcome. It's a privilege to be here. It's a wonderful evening. There are so many legends that are being honored here tonight. Gentlemen, like Harold Hamm and George Mitchell and my mentor and the gentleman I work for, Curtis Mewbourne. And when I think of oil men and just great men, I think of gentlemen like them who were very successful at the business, who were very generous and have given back to the industry, just leaders in our industry that have set a very high bar for my generation and the generation to follow. And I think it's just outstanding that you all have chosen to honor them, and their legacy will live on. And so it's just a real privilege to be here tonight.
JS: As you see the energy industry transforming, how do you see that playing out with the balance of the energy transition as well as fossil fuels?
KW: Well, that's a great question and certainly it's at the forefront of everything we're doing these days, and we just finished up the COP28 summit, but I'm convinced we can find a balance between climate change and environmental concerns and providing affordable, reliable, secure oil and gas. The industry has made great strides in reducing our environmental footprint. I think we can continue to do that. We have a ways to go, but this industry is full of amazing, talented, innovative people, and I think we'll be the ones that lead the way. And what I believe is not an energy transition, but an energy addition. We're going to need all sources of energy, renewables, nuclear, oil and gas as well. And so, I still think there's an opportunity for young people in this business.
JS: Thank you so much, Ken, for taking the time. Enjoy the evening. Our 50th anniversary and Hall of Fame event continues on.
Recommended Reading
E&P Highlights: May 20, 2024
2024-05-20 - Here’s a roundup of the latest E&P headlines, including development of the Belinda Field in the North Sea to new contract awards and service company acquisitions.
Permian Recycling Facility Passes 50 MMbbl of Water Recycling
2024-05-20 - Occidental Petroleum and Select Water Solutions have collaborated on water treatment and recycling at the site since 2021.
Seatrium Awarded Contract for FPSO Bound for Guyana’s Stabroek
2024-05-17 - The topsides fabrication and integration contract will be for the FPSO Jaguar, bound for the Whiptail Field in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana for Exxon Mobil.
Third Suriname Find for Petronas, Exxon Could Support 100,000 bbl/d FPSO
2024-05-17 - A recent find offshore Suriname in Block 52 by Petronas and Exxon Mobil could support a 100,000 bbl/d FPSO development, according to Wood Mackenzie.
US Drillers Add Oil, Gas Rigs for First Time in Four Weeks: Baker Hughes
2024-05-17 - The oil and gas rig count rose by one to 604 in the week to May 17.