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Mike Umbro, founder of Californians for Energy and Science, reveals how California's energy policies are creating economic hardship while potentially increasing global emissions through energy imports. We discuss the urgent crisis facing the state as refinery closures threaten to push gas prices toward $8.50 per gallon.

• California currently imports 75% of its oil from foreign sources compared to just 5% historically
• Two refineries closing in the next year will remove 19% of California's remaining refining capacity
• California's gas prices are the highest in the continental US and electricity rates are triple those in Texas
• Emissions from imports and shipping aren't counted in state carbon calculations, creating false impressions of progress
• 20% of California ratepayers are currently behind on their utility bills due to high energy costs
• California's energy policies affect neighboring states like Arizona and Nevada that depend on its refineries
• The industry has largely stopped applying for new drilling permits due to regulatory blockades
• Environmental policies should focus on "reduce, reuse, recycle" rather than eliminating local production
• Recent committee hearings suggest Sacramento officials are beginning to question current approaches

Check out Californians for Energy and Science at energyandscience.com to learn more about these issues and join our movement for sensible energy policy.

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Jeff Krimmel, founder of Krimmel Strategy Group (KSG), shares insights on making better strategic decisions in energy and building a business around data-driven strategy in uncertain times.

• Building external networks is crucial for career development, even when internal relationships seem sufficient
• Naming your business after yourself makes it easier for professional connections to find your company
• Strategic decisions in energy require balancing cost management with long-term asset value maximization
• Two company paths during downturns: battening down hatches versus strategic partnership formation
• Energy consolidation is pushing companies toward professionalizing operations rather than rapid expansion
• Creativity doesn't require revolutionary ideas – asking thoughtful questions others haven't considered creates value
• Introducing appropriate rigor to decision-making processes helps companies deploy capital more effectively
• Companies should be leaning into ambiguity and uncertainty to find opportunities
• Living in the oil field builds resilience that doesn't exist in many other industries

Have a good attitude. Listen, it sucks out there, it's a dumpster fire. You hear the worst news everywhere. Have a good attitude, that'll set you apart.

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Ryan Walker from Shumaker Advisors joins us to discuss how energy companies can navigate Washington politics and policy changes that directly impact their business operations and profitability.

• Pro-energy administration doesn't automatically mean better business conditions for all energy companies
• Budget reconciliation process currently threatens tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act
• Tariffs are being used as negotiating tools that affect energy supply chains and costs
• Companies should engage proactively with policy rather than reacting to crises
• Bipartisan engagement is essential—energy policy affects and concerns both political parties
• Government affairs support can function as a "fractional" team for companies without in-house expertise
• Energy policy has become increasingly politicized, creating volatility for long-term business planning
• Policy makers often "don't know what they don't know" about energy industry realities

If you're interested in learning more about navigating energy policy, connect with Ryan Walker on LinkedIn or visit Shoemaker Advisors to understand how federal decisions impact your business.

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Energy illiteracy is widespread, creating disconnects between energy expectations and realities, while the imminent convergence of technology and energy sectors creates urgent infrastructure challenges.

• Dan Ramito shares his journey from NASDAQ analytics to energy sector expertise
• American coal is relatively clean compared to energy alternatives from other countries
• Water scarcity presents a critical challenge for data centers and semiconductor manufacturing
• Most hyperscale data centers use 164 million gallons of water annually
• Tech industry prioritizes "what works" over ideological energy preferences
• Natural gas has become the preferred energy source for reliable AI power needs
• Energy companies must improve environmental data tracking to maintain relevance
• The "Radical Middle" approach combines fossil fuels and renewables pragmatically
• Infrastructure modernization for power transmission is essential for economic competitiveness
• Energy education remains critical as many Americans don't understand basic electricity generation

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Alex McDonald explores how strengthening collaboration and transparency between operators and service providers drives real operational efficiencies in oil and gas. This candid conversation reveals why communication breakdowns are costing companies millions and how building trust-based relationships creates value for both sides.

• 40% of operators still choose service providers based on lowest bid despite 73% experiencing cost overruns or quality issues as a result
• Service providers often discover problems only when they lose contracts, highlighting the critical need for ongoing feedback loops
• Different operators prioritize different value drivers—understanding a customer's "why" is more important than pitching on price
• Industry-wide reduction in capital has disrupted the traditional innovation model, creating uncertainty about who should fund R&D
• Transparency platforms like Rig Concierge are emerging to help operators make more informed vendor selections based on real reviews
• Building a culture that welcomes honest communication about failures and successes is essential for continuous improvement
• Moving the industry forward requires personal action rather than waiting for systemic change

Visit crueclub.com to join these collaborative industry conversations or connect with Alex McDonald on LinkedIn to learn more about Rig Concierge, the new operator-led platform that's bringing transparency to service provider selection.

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Crue Club's innovative operator roundtables are transforming how oil and gas professionals connect, providing a space for genuine knowledge-sharing without solicitation or distractions.

• Q1 2024 brought together 71 operators from 41 companies for 25+ hours of focused industry discussions
• Workforce reduction remains a key challenge, with the industry now operating with 37% fewer workers while increasing production by 47%
• AI integration varies widely across companies, with most still uncertain about its full potential despite recognizing its value
• Extended laterals are pushing technical boundaries, with completion equipment limitations now the primary constraint
• Energy policy disconnects between Washington and field operations create uncertainty that impacts long-term planning
• Strategic networking has become essential for career stability, with genuine industry connections more valuable than technical skills alone
• Communication remains the foundation of operational excellence, especially in simultaneous operations scenarios
• Private operators are developing creative niche strategies to remain competitive amid industry consolidation

Check out upcoming Crue Club events at crueclub.com or listen to more detailed recaps on Energy Crue podcast.

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JP Warren hosts a knowledge-sharing Energy Crue podcast focused on a Crue Club operator mastermind roundtable discussing critical industry challenges facing oil and gas professionals today. The conversation explores how the industry has reduced its workforce by 37% while increasing production by 47% over the past decade.

• Industry experiencing significant workforce reduction despite healthy profits and increased production
• Five factors driving workforce trends: investor pressure, consolidation, increased efficiency, AI integration, and overseas outsourcing
• Strategic networking outside your organization provides career stability in volatile markets
• 85% drop in petroleum engineering enrollment creating knowledge transfer challenges
• Mentorship declining while management increases, exacerbating knowledge retention issues
• Consolidation leading toward just 4-7 major operators controlling the Permian Basin
• Service companies finding success through collaboration rather than price competition
• Leadership and people skills remain critically important as technical work gets automated or outsourced
• Building relationships and providing value beyond price key to long-term success

If you're interested in joining a Crue Club operator mastermind roundtable discussion, head over to crueclub.com to learn more about upcoming events in Houston, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, and other locations.

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Our exploration of energy policy regulation reveals critically significant insights about the future landscape of natural gas and LNG. Discussions highlight the importance of education and communication as the industry faces various perceptions. We dive into the implications of new technology like frat coke, the realities of obtaining public trust, and the strategic engagement required to bridge the gap between energy policy and community understanding.

• Importance of understanding current and upcoming energy regulations
• Insights on LNG and its critical role in clean energy transition
• Discussion on frat coke and its impact on efficiency and sustainability
• Public perception challenges and advocacy strategies for natural gas
• Engaging with regulators and building relationships in the industry
• The importance of transparent communication and community outreach