Boomtown The Last Frontier | Chapter 11
Feb 18, 2020
Coyne Gibson, a scientist and advocate for the Big Bend Conservation Alliance, and Craig Carter, a seasoned horseman wrangler for Hollywood, discuss the impact of massive oil production in the Permian Basin on the vulnerable Big Bend landscape. They share personal narratives about preserving the area’s beauty amidst economic pressures and the shift toward renewable energy. Highlighting the mysteries of Marfa and the need for environmental stewardship, they explore the contradictions of living in a region torn between heritage and the oil industry.
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Craig Carter's Deep Big Bend Roots
- Craig Carter has ridden the South Rim Trail about 700 times and has intimate knowledge of the Big Bend landscape.
- His family ran the only horse-riding outfit in Big Bend National Park for decades, deeply connecting him to the land.
Engage Energy Talks Wisely
- Landowners should keep the door open to negotiation but protect their interests when approached by energy companies.
- Groups like Respect Big Bend help landowners access research and legal support for informed decisions.
Texas Surface Damage Law Gaps
- Texas lacks surface damage protection laws for landowners when oil and gas companies develop land.
- This means companies are not obligated to restore land after development, causing long-term environmental harm.