The legal team of oilfield injury lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured oil rig workers and is one of the only firms with knowledge of maritime law willing to pursue justice in these practice areas in Texas and throughout the entire United States.
When Did the Oil Industry Begin in Texas?
The first active oil well in Texas started gushing in 1901 at Spindletop in the southern portion of Beaumont, Texas. The find spurred hundreds of investors and speculators to flood Texas in an attempt to strike it rich. The original drill near Navarro peaked at nearly 33 million barrels of crude per calendar year in 1924.
Texas Oil Boom
The Texas oil boom was an age of unprecedented economic growth in Texas during the early 1900s that began with the discovery of a large petroleum reserve near Beaumont. The strike ushered in an era of rapid regional development and industrialization in Texas. The state rapidly became the leading oil-producing state in the U.S., and soon America overtook Russia as the top producer of petroleum.
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How Much Oil is Left in Texas?
Oil production in Texas is expected to grow by nearly 50% over the next 10 years. It has been estimated that there is enough oil in the state to provide for the next 2 centuries, although this claim has been disputed.
Additionally, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has meant that Western nations need to become more self-reliant in terms of energy requirements. This will no doubt mean a greater reliance on Texas oil production.
Where is Fracking Done in Texas?
The central area for natural gas extraction in Texas via horizontal drilling and fracking is the Eagle Ford shale region. Hydraulic fracturing occurs naturally, but oil and gas companies speed up the process to release natural gas out of the rock.
The process involves injecting water, sand, and a chemical mixture into the rock at such a high pressure that oil and natural gas can be collected. Fracking has recently increased in areas like Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas.
Texas Energy Profile Quick Facts
- Texas is the top crude oil- and natural gas-producing state in America. In 2021, Texas accounted for 43% of the country's oil production and one-quarter of its marketed natural gas production.
- Texas has the most crude oil refineries and the most refining capacity of any state in the U.S. Texas' 31 petroleum refineries can process nearly 6 million barrels of crude oil per calendar day— nearly one-third of America's refining capacity as of January 2021.
- In 2021, Texas produced more than 25% of all U.S. wind-powered electricity generation, leading the u.s. for the 16th consecutive year.
- Wind power overtook Texas' nuclear generation for the 1st time in 2014, and surpassed coal-based generation for the first time in 2019.
- Texas produces the most electricity in the U.S., generating nearly twice as much as second-place Florida. In 2021, Texas accounted for more than 10% of America's total electricity net generation.
- Texas is the largest all-around energy-consuming state in the nation. The industrial sector accounts for over 50% of the state's energy consumption and for 23% of the nation's total industrial energy usage.
3 Workers Killed in Texas Oil Field Accident
Three workers were killed after an oil field rig exploded near Rankin, about 40 miles south of Midland, Texas. One other worker was at the site during the explosion, but that worker only suffered minor injuries.
A pulling unit crew was at the site when the explosion occurred, according to the Upton County Sheriff’s Office. The pulling unit crew had been working on an existing well owned by Parsley Energy of Midland. The operations at the site were conducted by a 3rd-party contractor.
5 Oil Workers Killed in Crash in South Texas
Five oil field workers died after their van crashed into a crude oil tanker truck near a South Texas oil field. The crash, which occurred in Dimmit County in the Eagle Ford Shale energy sector, caused the tanker truck to catch fire.
A pickup truck traveling in front of a crude oil tanker made a left turn off a state highway. “The tractor-trailer that was behind the pickup took evasive action to miss it as it was turning and lost control and turned over,” a state trooper said.
The tanker, which had been carrying crude oil, remained on the road. Two vehicles that had been traveling behind the tanker ran into the tanker. The vehicles immediately became engulfed in flames.
The five oil field workers who had been traveling in the van died from the explosion. A driver in another vehicle suffered burns over 85% of his body. Three other workers also suffered minor injuries in the accident.
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Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Texas Oil Field Accident and Injury Lawyers
The personal injury lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, have experience dealing with the rights of American oilfield workers, and we are one of the only firms willing to handle oilfield workplace accidents in Texas and throughout the entire United States.
Again, if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an oilfield accident in Texas, you should contact our oil field accident lawyers immediately by using the form below or calling our law firm toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600 to schedule a free case review and legal options.
Clients may be able to recover fair compensation for medical expenses from an oil company in a lawsuit and a personal injury lawyer can help.
