ODESSA, TEXAS (Tuesday, April 2, 2024)—The Permian Energy Development Lab will host meetings today in Big Spring, Texas and Carlsbad, New Mexico (details here), kicking off a series of community-based gatherings across the Permian Basin. The purpose is to describe PEDL’s work, introduce its leaders, and gather input from community members, who will shape the Lab’s path forward.

Made up of colleges, universities, national labs, and a center for advanced research, PEDL is a new nonprofit organization focused on advanced energy research, education and workforce development, and community engagement—all interconnected matters.

MIDLAND—The Big Bend region is considered one of the most biodiverse in the Western Hemisphere, while also sitting in one of the most energy-intensive areas of the world — and experts say if that energy is not developed responsibly, the sustainability of the region and its resources could be at risk.

Still in its infancy, the Respect Big Bend Coalition (RBBC) — a communal collaboration — was formed to ensure Big Bend's resources are conserved while the benefits of energy development remain maximal.

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation introduced the new initiative May 2 at the Petroleum Museum in conjunction with the late George Mitchell's induction into the Petroleum Hall of Fame.

The briefing began with a three-minute preview of the coalition's short-documentary series "The Long Game," followed by a presentation of its research findings thus far. Four recurring ideas were discussed throughout the hour-long meeting: