For six years, the Permian Strategic Partnership has invested in public education, access to quality healthcare, road safety, and workforce development in the Permian Basin—and now, our investments are paying off. We are moving the needle in each of our focus areas, making a measurable difference through major projects like building new schools and healthcare facilities, providing life-saving vehicles and equipment to Permian roads, and investing in skills training and education for our region’s talent pipeline.
Our partners, the 26 energy companies and two university systems who make up the PSP, have formed an uncommon alliance. Instead of viewing one another as competitors, we are working together to make the Permian Basin a better place for all who live, learn, and work here. As a result, we are seeing traffic incidents decline, quality of public education increase, access to health services improve, and workforce programs accelerate.
We are committed to contributing to these efforts in the Permian Basin because we recognize the significance of this region—not only for our own economic and community goals, but for the greater good of our nation. As the third largest standalone energy play in the world, following Russia and Saudi Arabia, the Permian Basin is essential to national security and energy independence.
To protect U.S. interests and ensure the continued prosperity of the region, our continued community investment is critical.
We are grateful to each of our partners, who have helped us make an impact in each of our focus areas – and we hope that by sharing the results of our combined efforts, we will inspire others to join us. Together, we can create an even brighter future for the Permian Basin, and help the U.S. safeguard and strengthen its energy position.
A Letter From Our Chairman
The Promise of the Permian brought me to West Texas almost 50 years ago.
More than a job opportunity in the oil and gas industry, I was drawn to the land of the high sky – a place where the free-enterprise, capitalistic spirit was strong, where a sense of optimism redefined what was possible. Since then, I have witnessed a transformation that has elevated the Permian Basin to the strategic center of America’s energy, economic and national security.
When I arrived here in 1975, the United States was energy scarce. American oil production had peaked by 1970, and by 1972, 83% of our oil imports came from the Middle East. This created significant challenges for America’s security and our global standing.
Forty years later, however, new technologies emerged that enabled fracking and horizontal drilling to tap a trove of previously unrecoverable oil and gas reserves. The Shale Revolution has propelled the U.S. to become the number one oil and gas producing country in the world. As a result, America is no longer energy scarce but energy abundant, and the way I see it, the Permian Basin represents the largest secure supply of energy in the world.
The Permian Strategic Partnership was created to harness this new reality and plan for the future. The PSP represents the best of our industry, a unique public-private partnership dedicated to strengthening opportunity and the quality of life for all who live and work in the Permian Basin.
Together with our partners, since 2019 the PSP has directly invested $184 million into communities across the Permian Basin, contributing to collaborative investments totaling $1.8 billion. These investments are focused in four strategic pillars on which our future growth and prosperity will be built: education, healthcare, workforce development, and safer roads.
We also work hand in hand with our federal and state leaders and elected officials on solutions to address the challenges we face. In particular I want to recognize Texas Governor Greg Abbott and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and county and local leaders whose collaboration has been instrumental in strengthening the fabric of our communities. Additionally, Bruce Bugg, the chairman of TxDOT has been a steadfast advocate for many years. Through his leadership, TxDOT funds a program called the “Permian Promise” which has invested billions of dollars in new state funding for safer roads in our region through an historic expansion of Permian Basin road infrastructure.
As you will see in this Annual Report, our collective efforts have yielded extraordinary results. We have charted a course for a very bright future, and our eyes remain on the horizon. We’re in the early stages of developing a world-class health care center as part of The Beacon, a new development that will establish a benchmark for healthy living and expand regional specialty healthcare services close to home. And we will remain laser focused on raising literacy rates and strengthening education -- the heart of a healthy, successful society -- to create lifelong opportunities for our students, the workers of tomorrow.
Our mission to serve the Permian Basin continues, and there is more to do. I am grateful to Tracee Bentley, PSP’s CEO, who has been a valued and trusted partner from the beginning. Together, along with our talented staff and the continued involvement of our members and public leaders, we will work to ensure that the Permian Basin remains a place of limitless possibilities and a flourishing quality of life for all its citizens for generations to come.
The spirit of innovation, resilience, and collaboration that brought me to West Texas 50 years ago continues to shine as brightly as the sunrise on the horizon. And the Promise of the Permian remains as strong as ever.
Don Evans Chairman, Permian Strategic Partnership
A Letter From Our President & CEO
I am proud to share with you our 2024 Annual Report. As we reflect on six years of continuing to invest across the Permian Basin, we remain as committed as ever to empowering our community. Our vibrant energy industry continues to be a beacon of opportunity, attracting new residents each year and fueling shared optimism for our region’s future. The United States – and the World – are counting on us to continue to produce the energy we all depend on.
To date, the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) has invested $184 million directly into our community. Through strong partnerships and stakeholder collaboration, we have helped leverage over $1.8 billion across the essential areas that shape quality of life: education, healthcare, workforce development, and road safety. These investments are driving measurable improvements in the health and well-being of our communities.
In 2024, we proudly partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation and Midland County to launch the Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program in Midland and Ector Counties, contributing $3 million in funding. This initiative is a critical step forward in reducing traffic injuries and fatalities, making our roads safer for everyone.
We also made meaningful progress in education. This year, the PSP invested $10 million toward a new Career Technical Education center for Ector County Independent School District. With our eyes on the future, we also co-sponsored the fourth annual Permian Basin Education Leadership Summit, bringing together community leaders to strengthen and reimagine our regional education system.
PSP proudly includes 26 member companies and 2 university systems that share our belief in a stronger, more vibrant Permian for all who call it home. We are incredibly grateful to every partner, stakeholder, and community leader who has contributed time, energy, and passion to our cause. As we enter the second half of our first decade as an organization, our focus is unwavering: to build the strongest possible future for the Permian Basin.
This future depends on our continued support for the lively communities that make the Permian Basin so special. Those of us fortunate enough to live here understand the power of our region’s exceptional economic strength and distinct challenges. Together, we are building not just a stronger region but a legacy of opportunity for generations to come.
Tracee Bentley President & CEO, Permian Strategic Partnership
Permian Strategic Partnership’s mission is to strengthen and improve quality of life for Permian Basin residents by partnering with federal, state, and local leaders to develop and implement strategic plans that foster superior schools, quality healthcare, safer roads, and a trained workforce. The companies and universities involved with the Permian Strategic Partnership bring people, expertise, resources, and leadership to develop solutions in partnership with local leaders and communities.
We strive to make a difference in four key focus areas: Education, Healthcare, Road Safety, and Workforce Development. Our accomplishments in each of these areas are highlighted in this report.
Workforce
Development
Community Infrastructure
Education
Permian Strategic
Partnership
Focus Areas
Road Safety
Healthcare
Working Together for a Greater Impact
Investing in the Permian Basin is the right thing to do for the future of our industry, for the vitality of the region’s communities, and for the country. The members of the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) feel a social responsibility to give back to this region that has given jobs, energy security, and economic stability to the U.S. The Permian Strategic Partnership has directly invested approximately $184 million in Permian Basin projects and contributed to collaborative investments totaling more than $1.8 billion
IDEA Public Schools
$7.5 million
$16.5 million Harmony Public Schools
Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program Energy Education and Workforce Curriculum
$5 million National Teacher Board Certification $3.9 million Cal Ripken STEM Centers
Internship
$2.5 million
Parental Involvement Advocacy
$2.5 million
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Physician Assistant (PA) Program
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Surgery Residency & Subspecialty Fellowship
$5.9 million
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Family Medicine Residency & Mental Health Fellowship
Midland College Center for Teaching Excellence and Pre-K Lab School
million
University of Texas Permian Basin Nursing & Pre-Med Expansion
University of Texas Permian Basin Behavioral Health Professionals
Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center Odessa College Nursing Program Expansion Permian Basin Counseling & Guidance
$4.8 million Road Safety Initiative Support
Elevating Student Outcomes in Education
Education is at the heart of a healthy, successful society. It impacts individuals, families, communities, and the economy – and it is a critical focus area for the Permian Strategic Partnership. Strong schools help students learn valuable skills, pursue high-paying careers, and become productive citizens who will support themselves and their families and pave the way for the future of our region.
Today’s students also make up tomorrow’s workforce – and with high-quality education, they will be better prepared to fill much-needed roles in the Permian Basin, including jobs in healthcare, energy, technology, and skilled trades.
At the Permian Strategic Partnership, we believe all students deserve an excellent education, and we are committed to increasing high-quality seats, developing teachers and leaders, and building community support for education in the Permian Basin. We define a high-quality seat as one where a student is enrolled in a school that meets rigorous standards of excellence. In Texas, a seat is highquality if it’s at an A or B rated campus under the Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability system. In New Mexico, a seat is high-quality if it’s in the top 25% of NM Vistas-rated schools, including “Schools of Excellence” (top 10% of schools statewide) and “Spotlight Schools” (top 10–25% of schools statewide).
Our overall goal is to improve student outcomes for all students across the Permian Basin. At the heart of this vision is a simple but powerful belief: Every student deserves access to a high-quality school with excellent instruction.
Our key goals for education are to:
1 2 3
Increase High-Quality Seats to benefit Permian public school students
Develop Teachers and Leaders at campus and district levels to enhance student achievement
Engage Communities and Families to create a shared vision of academic success
We’re working to meet these goals by investing in a number of education initiatives across Texas and New Mexico:
$16.5 $10 MILLION MILLION
IDEA Schools
Expanded IDEA Public Schools in our region to meet the growing demand and need.
Midland College Center for Teaching Excellence and the Pre-K Lab School Initiative
The PSP donated funding for construction and programming at this new facility, which provides professional development for teachers and expands preschool programming.
$7.5 MILLION MILLION
Cal Ripken STEM Centers
In partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, we provided support for 134 elementary schools in the Permian Basin to receive state-of-the-art STEM centers, along with training and materials for teachers to provide weekly STEM lessons.
$4.9
Holdsworth Campus Leadership Program
We partnered with the Holdsworth Center to facilitate a two-year campus leadership program for a cohort of school leaders across 22 schools and districts.
$3.9 MILLION
$17
$4.5 MILLION MILLION
National Teacher Board Certification
Board Certified teachers can have a significant impact on a student’s learning. Our investment in this program has resulted in the enrollment of over 237 teachers in Board Certification programs across 10 counties in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.
Energy Education and Workforce Curriculum
To address a shortage of skilled professionals in the energy sector, we launched Energy Pathways, a comprehensive energy and resource program delivered across 22 counties.
Harmony Public Schools
In 2023, we provided $7 million to support the construction of Midland Harmony Science Academy, which provides high-quality STEM-based education to students. In 2024, we invested $10 million to establish Harmony School of Innovation Odessa.
Expanding Access to STEM Education
Harmony School of Innovation Odessa to Open Fall 2025
Students who excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) are poised for success in school, and in life. Careers in these fields are in high demand – and soon, Odessa students will have the opportunity to enroll in a new school built around a STEM curriculum. In 2024, the Permian Strategic Partnership committed $10 million to expand the Harmony Public School system in the Permian Basin, supporting the construction of the new Harmony School of Innovation Odessa.
The school will serve students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, providing 486 new high-quality, tuition-free seats. A groundbreaking for the campus was held on May 7th at the future site, Mission Boulevard and Dr. Emmitt Headlee Street. Once open, it will be the third Harmony Public School in the Permian Basin, and the second campus in Odessa. It will provide a pathway for students who are currently attending Harmony Science Academy Odessa, a PreK-8 school, to continue their STEM-focused experience through high school. The new school is expected to open in the fall of 2025.
The decision to help fund Harmony School of Innovation Odessa follows last year’s successful establishment of Midland Harmony Science Academy, which was supported by a $7 million investment from the Permian Strategic Partnership. Since opening in 2024, the Harmony Science Academy in Midland has welcomed approximately 250 students. Over the next decade, its enrollment will be expanded to 1,500 students in grades K-12.
The goal of PSP’s investment in Harmony School of Innovation Odessa is to address the critical need for high-quality seats in Ector County, foster the growth of our future leaders in the Permian Basin, and ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the chance to thrive.
$10
PSP Investment to Expand the Harmony Public School System in the Permian Basin MILLION
Harmony Public Schools is extremely proud to collaborate again with Permian Strategic Partnership to provide highquality education opportunities for even more families in West Texas. Working together, this opportunity will allow Harmony and the PSP to empower even more students to reach their full potential and create a brighter future for our Permian Basin community.
Every district in the Permian Basin is working to improve education quality and student success—and when we work together, we can achieve even more. That’s why, for the last four years, the Permian Strategic Partnership has brought together school and district leaders from across Texas and New Mexico for an annual Permian Basin Education Leadership Summit. The theme for 2024’s event, which was held on April 4th at the Bush Convention Center, was partnership. The event was co-sponsored by the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin and Permian Strategic Partnership.
Presentations highlighted successful partnerships between districts, schools, businesses, communities, universities, and nonprofit organizations. Representatives from Harlingen ISD in Texas shared the impact of two successful collaborations: a partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to provide certifications and credentials to high school students, and relationships with regional businesses and healthcare providers to establish and support the Harlingen School of Health Professionals, which prepares students for healthcare careers. Another featured district was Ector County ISD in Texas, which is partnering with Odessa College to build a Career and Technical Education Center, with financing from a recent bond and support from the PSP and other partners. The PSP also shared results from its partnerships, including Teacher Certifications from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
PEOPLE
Attended the Annual Event
Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath spoke to attendees about a new piece of legislation that supports small, rural districts if they partner together to enhance career and technical education called rural innovation zones. Commissioner Morath explained that if districts work together, their level of funding significantly increases, making it possible to accomplish greater results than any single district could achieve alone.
While the districts of the Permian Basin are geographically spread apart, events like the Permian Basin Education Leadership Summit bring them together, to build relationships and learn from one another. By collaborating across school districts and state lines, we can make education in the Permian Basin better than ever.
4th
Convening the Permian Basin Education Leadership Summit YEAR
35th 45th
in the Nation in Students’ Ability to Read at a 4th-Grade Level
in the Nation in Students’ Ability to Read at an 8th-Grade Level
50th 50th
in the Nation in Students’ Ability to Read at a 4th-Grade Level
in the Nation in Students’ Ability to Read at an 8th-Grade Level
Condoleezza Rice Shares Education Insights
PSP Hosts the Former Secretary of State
As the 66th U.S. Secretary of State and current Director of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, Condoleezza Rice has led U.S. foreign policy and advocated for education access across the nation. On November 15, 2024, the Permian Strategic Partnership hosted a fireside chat with Rice and Don Evans, PSP Chairman and former Secretary of Commerce during the first term of George W. Bush’s presidency. The aim of the conversation was to engage and activate our community to support public schools and improve education in the Permian Basin.
The event was held at the Petroleum Club of Midland, and was attended by about 200 people from across the region. Rice and Evans, who became friends during their time working with President Bush, discussed education policies at the regional, state, and national levels.
Evans shared statistics on Texas’s low rankings in school reading, and called for support to improve public education across the state. He spoke about PSP’s 10-year strategic plan, and highlighted successes since the PSP began investing in education.
Rice commended PSP’s commitment to advancing public education. She emphasized the importance of studentcentered teaching and underscored the value of after-school and summer enrichment programs, both as critical educational tools and as support systems for working families. Rice and Evans advocated for a more expansive vision of educational success, one that recognizes the equal importance of vocational training and apprenticeships alongside traditional four-year college degrees. Together, they stressed the need to create diverse pathways that enable all students to enter the workforce with purpose and preparation.
When asked about the most pressing national security challenges, Rice pointed to public education. She emphasized that education is the greatest national security challenge of our times, because if public education fails, our country cannot succeed.
Has Been Committed to Education Initiatives Since 2019 by PSP $80 MILLION OVER
Education
INVESTMENT IN HEALTHCARE
Expanding Healthcare Access Across the Permian
The citizens of the Permian Basin deserve strong healthcare systems—not just for emergencies, but for everyday health, disease prevention, treatment of injuries and illness, and the management of chronic conditions. Today, the region currently lacks the resources to adequately serve the needs of the community. Our healthcare assessment of the Permian Basin revealed the following pressing needs and opportunities:
• Limited access to specialty care
• Inadequate emergency and trauma services
• Shortage of behavioral health resources
• Limited digital health solutions
• Insufficient primary care access
• Lack of rural health infrastructure
Access to healthcare is essential to creating a community where people want to live, work, and raise their families. Our Healthcare Focus Area is committed to improving healthcare across the Permian Basin, through active investment and community partnership.
Our key goals for healthcare are to: 1 2 3
Increase Access to Primary Care Physicians and address the primary care shortage
Expand the Breadth of Specialty Care in the Permian Basin
Enhance Emergency and Trauma Care to meet regional health needs
We’re working to meet these goals by investing in healthcare across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. Our initiatives include:
Medical Professional Graduate Programs
Our support for the programs below has led to an increase of more than 330 potential healthcare providers in the Permian Basin.
$5.9
$12.8 MILLION MILLION MILLION
$2.5
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center –Family Medicine Residency & Mental Health Fellowship
Through this program, PSP has supported 21 residents (7 per year) and 2 Fellows (2 per year), directly increasing the number of primary care physicians in the Permian Basin.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Physician Assistant (PA) Program
PAs can provide high-quality care at a lower cost than physicians, and require fewer years of training. PSP’s support for this program will produce 12 PAs per year after its first three years. It has supported 12 PAs since the program was implemented.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Surgery Residency & Subspecialty Fellowship
Skilled surgeons are needed in the Permian Basin, and this fellowship has produced:
• 15 Surgery Residents (3/year)
• 4 Cardiology Fellows (2/year)
• 4 Pulmonology Fellows (2/year)
• 4 Critical Care Fellows (2/year)
Other PSP Healthcare Initiatives
$12.5
$800 MILLION
THOUSAND
Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center
Expected to open in 2026, this exciting new facility will expand access to behavioral healthcare across the region. It will include 200 patient beds, a crisis center, and an outpatient center.
Texas Tech Mobile Clinics
Provided in partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Medicine on the Move mobile clinics travel to remote areas, bringing healthcare where it is needed most.
$4 $10.7
$5 MILLION MILLION MILLION
$2.3
$1.2 MILLION
MILLION
Odessa College Nursing Expansion
There’s a nursing shortage in our region, and the PSP is working to address it by funding regional healthcare education. With support from PSP, Odessa College has expanded its nursing program to accommodate over 30 additional Associate Degree Nurses (30/year), and over 40 additional Licensed Vocational Nurses (40/year).
University of Texas Permian Basin Nursing & Pre-Med Expansion
The PSP is also supporting Nursing and Pre-Med programs at the University of Texas Permian Basin. Its funding has expanded the University’s programs, allowing them to accommodate over 60 additional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Graduates (60/year after 5 years), and over 60 additional Pre-Med Graduates (60/year after 5 years).
University of Texas Permian Basin Behavioral Health Professionals
Behavioral health is a growing concern in the Permian Basin – and the PSP is working to address it by supporting behavioral health facilities and professional training. Its investment in the University of Texas Permian Basin’s Behavioral Health Professional program has led to an increase of over 10 Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), over 20 Licensed Psychological Associates (LPAs), and over 50 social workers per year.
Permian Basin Counseling & Guidance
The PSP partnered with FMH Foundation and West Texas Counseling & Guidance to establish Permian Basin Counseling & Guidance (PBCG), providing a six-year commitment to fund expanded mental and behavioral health services across the Permian Basin.
COVID Vaccination Campaign
During the COVID crisis, PSP provided funding for vaccine efforts, helping to improve public health and prevent the spread of disease.
Realizing Our Vision for a Healthier Permian
The
Beacon Alliance
The Permian is vitally important to our nation – yet it lacks fundamental healthcare resources. To address this need, the PSP helped form The Beacon Alliance, a visionary group of leaders committed to bringing vital and sustaining healthcare services to the region. The Beacon Alliance Partners include the Permian Strategic Partnership, the Scharbauer Foundation, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, The University of Texas System, Midland Health, and Medical Center Health System.
Community Plan
The vision for the Beacon includes the following elements:
• Higher Education & Health Sciences Campus
• Regional Healthcare Services
• Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center
• Main Street, Hotels, & Retail
• Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center & Amphitheater
• Central Park with connections to Wildcatter Trail
• Innovation Boulevard
• Residences
Together, this collaboration is creating The Beacon, a new healthcare, higher education, residential, and mixed-use development that will establish a benchmark for healthy living, and improve quality of life in the region. Located between Midland and Odessa, the 400+ acre development will increase access to care through state-of-the-art medical facilities, provide training for new healthcare workers through partnerships with local colleges and universities, and address housing shortages through a range of residential choices.
Expanding Regional Healthcare Services
In partnership with Midland Health, Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the University of Texas System, and other healthcare providers, The Beacon will provide a range of much-needed healthcare services to keep care close to home. Planned healthcare components include the new Behavioral Health Center at The Beacon, which will open in 2026; a proposed campus zone connecting local universities to advance research; a robust rural outreach program to identify and meet regional needs; and a regional emergency medical services (EMS) program to facilitate collaboration among Permian EMS providers.
The Permian will lead the United States’ energy output for decades to come. The Beacon is our promise and commitment to improving the resiliency, sustainability, and quality of life in the region.
DON EVANS | FORMER U.S. SEC. OF COMMERCE, CHAIRMAN OF THE PSP
$142 MILLION $333 MILLION 250
440
Donated by Diamondback Energy for Development of the Beacon
MILLION MILLION
Total Collaborative Investments PSP’s Contribution to the Beacon
Acquired by the Scharbauer Foundation/ Permian Basin Medical Center, Providing Roadway Access
Subject to the Beacon’s Architectural Standards
$191 $4.7 105.5 800 in Public Funding in Private Funding
Total Land Controlled by the Beacon
Building on Our Success
Behavioral health is often viewed as less critical than physical health – and as a result, it often receives less attention and fewer resources. Because behavioral problems aren’t as visible as physical injuries or illness, they are easier to ignore. However, in recent years, the lack of behavioral health services in the Permian Basin has begun to present itself in a very real way. Emergency rooms and jails across the region have become crowded with patients experiencing behavioral health crises. Without the services or capacity to treat their conditions, staff are left scrambling to find placement in the state’s inadequate mental health system.
Fortunately, hope is on the horizon. In December of 2023, construction began on the new Permian Behavioral Health Center, a 200-bed facility that will provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care for people of all ages, from children to seniors. It will include a crisis center to provide evaluation and stabilization for patients, relieving pressure on law enforcement and emergency departments, and an outpatient center offering partial hospitalization and intensive therapy. It will also include office space for Texas Tech’s Department of Psychiatry, which will provide mental health diagnostic and treatment services, and educate Psychiatry residents and fellows.
The establishment of the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center was made possible thanks to visionary support from the state legislature and the generosity of our community. Local legislative leaders have committed significant resources to address our region’s behavioral health needs. Representatives Tom Craddick of Midland and Brooks Landgraf of Odessa, and Senator Kevin Sparks of Midland, secured $126.7 million in state funding for the development of the Center. The PSP donated $12.5 million, contributing to nearly $90 million in private funding to support its construction, and Diamondback Energy, a PSP member company, donated 54 acres of land for the campus.
In order to ensure the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center is able to meet staffing needs when it opens, the PSP is also working with healthcare and education partners. In 2023, we partnered with the Scharbauer Foundation to provide $10 million in grants to the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), allowing UTPB to cover tuition and fees for graduate students majoring in Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or School Counseling. The Center is expected to open in April of 2026.
Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center
$12.5 ~$90
$126.7 $232 MILLION MILLION
PSP’s Contribution Toward the Construction of the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center in Funding from the State of Texas
Total Construction Cost in Contributions and Confirmed Pledges
225,000
Square-Foot Facility
200 MILLION MILLION
In-Patient and Out-Patient Beds
INVESTMENT IN ROAD SAFETY & INFRASTRUCTURE
The Road to a Safer Permian
Most people don’t think about road safety often – but it impact s everyone, every day. You either drive or ride to work, school, or another location daily, or someone you love does. Whether traveling in a personal vehicle, driving a work truck, riding on a school bus, or taking public transportation, everyone deserves to feel confident they will arrive at their destination and retu rn home safely.
While road safety is an everyday concern across the U.S., in the Permian Basin, it is even more pressing. Our region has a higher number of traffic accidents, fatalities, and delays compared to other parts of Texas and New Mexico. These incidents harm individuals and families, hamper job retention in Permian industries, and create challenges in getting goods to market. The PSP’s Road Safety Focus Area is committed to improving safety on Permian Roads, and collaborating to strengthen our infrastructure – making the Permian safer for everyone.
Our key goals for road safety & infrastructure are to:
1
2
Improve Safety
3
Advocate for Public Funding
Collaborate with Stakeholders to address future needs
We’re working to meet these goals by investing in road safety & infrastructure across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. Our initiatives include:
$3.5 $3 $100 MILLION MILLION
Odessa College Truck Driving Academy
Our region has a shortage of qualified, safe CDL truck drivers to fill important roles. To meet this need, the PSP invested in expanding the Odessa College Truck Driving Academy, enabling the program to increase its capacity from 146 to 240 students per year.
TxDOT Hero Truck Program
In 2024, the PSP provided funding to purchase, equip, and staff a fleet of at least four Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) trucks to patrol two incident-prone Permian highways in Midland and Ector Counties, and respond to roadway incidents.
Northeast Midland Volunteer Fire Station
PSP provided life-saving equipment to help volunteer firefighters keep their communities safe.
First Responder Safety Equipment
$1.1 $3.2
To support our first responders and reduce vehicle crash fatalities, the Permian Strategic Partnership partnered with the Permian Road Safety Coalition (PRSC) to provide 8,700 pieces of special equipment requested by fire, police, and other emergency providers.
PSP Advocacy for TX and NM State Dollars
$1.1
$12.5 MILLION BILLION MILLION
$75
TxDOT Permian Promise
Since 2019, the Texas Department of Transportation has committed $1.1 billion to projects identified as Permian priority projects by PSP members.
TxDOT BUILD Grant Support Projects (2018 & 2020)
The PSP advocated for Texas to receive funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) grant program, to support roadway projects.
NMDOT BUILD Grant Support Projects (2019)
With PSP’s support, New Mexico received U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD funds for the creation of safety corridors on US 285 and NM 128.
Faster Emergency Response. Safer Roads.
HERO Vehicles to Patrol I-20 and SH 191
Interstate 20 and State Highway 191 through Midland and Odessa are among the most dangerous stretches of road in the Permian Basin. From 2018 to 2023, there were over 3,800 crashes on this stretch of I20 and over 800 crashes on SH 191. The worst collisions cause injuries and fatalities – but even minor incidents such as tire blowouts can impede the flow of traffic, and if they aren’t cleared quickly, they can cause secondary accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, every minute you are stuck in a traffic jam because of a traffic incident increases your risk of being rear-ended.1 These incidents also pose risks to first responders. In 2022, 50 U.S. responders lost their lives while responding to traffic incidents.2
To quickly assist motorists in need, protect first responders, and keep roads clear of obstructions, the Permian Strategic Partnership and Midland County have partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to bring their Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program to Midland and Ector Counties. The HERO program provides free roadside assistance to motorists, including vehicle repairs, traffic management, and swift accident response. HERO staff are specially trained to assist when incidents occur on major roadways, such as moving vehicles off the road, directing traffic, helping motorists with flat tires, and moving accident debris out of active traffic lanes.
The PSP will contribute $3 million of the $5 million startup costs to provide, staff, and equip four HERO trucks, which will patrol I-20 and SH 191 in Midland and Ector Counties seven days per week, for two years. Midland County and the TxDOT Odessa district will share the remaining funding.
The program launched in early 2025, and will follow the models established in other Texas cities, including Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso. It will be the first HERO program implemented outside of a large city in Texas, and it will be completely free to motorists. In March 2025, to celebrate the arrival of the first HERO trucks, a kickoff event was held, allowing the community to see and explore these vehicles and learn about the equipment and services that they offer.
All incident responders are heroes – and by reducing the risk of secondary crashes, the HERO program will save lives, and make Permian roadways safer.
$3 PSP’s Contribution to the HERO Program MILLION
Midland County is proud to support the HERO initiative that adds a layer of safety to our traveling public. We are also proud of the work that PSP does to ensure the safety, health, and education of the Permian Basin. Together and in partnership, we can accomplish so much more for the citizens of this area and those who visit.
2 Highways Will Be Patrolled by Hero Trucks: Interstate 20 & State Highway
Trucks Will Be on Patrol Days per Week
1 US Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration. “Traffic Congestion and Reliability: Linking Solutions to Problems.” 2.0 Background to the Congestion Problem. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/congestion_report_04/chapter2.htm Accessed online 23 Feb. 2025.
2 U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration. “National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training.“ https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/tim/training/index.htm Accessed online, 23 Feb. 2025.
HERO
TERRY JOHNSON | MIDLAND COUNTY JUDGE
Partnering with State Transportation Leaders
PSP hosts TxDOT and NMDOT for Road Safety Visits
It’s one thing to talk about road safety in the Permian Basin. It’s another thing to drive to the region and see the roads –and the needs for safety improvements – firsthand. To help state transportation leaders better understand the importance of strengthening Permian infrastructure, the PSP invited officials from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) to visit our region and tour local facilities.
In March of 2024, Texas Transportation Commissioners Alejandro “Alex” G. Meade III and Steven D. Alvis, along with TxDOT Chief Engineer Lance Simmons, partnered with the PSP to tour Permian Basin roads and get a closer look at our members’ operations. The visit included an educational presentation from Helmerich & Payne, a PSP member company, at one of their Midland-area rigs, and was followed by a tour of a frac site operation owned by Endeavor Energy Resources, also a PSP member.
In addition to touring facilities, PSP joined officials for a TxDOT Odessa District Overview and driving tour of I-20. The visit gave PSP leaders an opportunity to educate Texas officials about PSP’s efforts, and discuss the region’s long-term infrastructure funding needs.
In October of 2024, the PSP organized two stakeholder events in Southeast New Mexico, headlined by New Mexico Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna. In Carlsbad, we gathered with Eddy County officials, City of Carlsbad officials, community leaders, and industry representatives to discuss local priorities and how to best collaborate with state leadership. A similar gathering took place in Hobbs, with Lea County and City of Hobbs officials.
These discussions yielded positive takeaways for our Southeast New Mexico communities, including a better understanding of the NMDOT project prioritization process and an established dialogue with New Mexico’s top transportation leader. We also discussed our funding priorities and strategies to improve safety on local highway corridors in both the short and long terms.
Facilitating experiences on the ground in the Permian is an important component of our ongoing advocacy work to make our region’s unique needs real for decision makers. Time and time again, elected officials and appointees tell us they “get it” once they see the logistical magnitude of what it takes to keep the Permian Basin firing on all cylinders.
Building a Stronger Workforce
In order for businesses to be successful in the Permian Basin, we need talented people to join the local workforce. From teachers, to skilled tradespeople, to energy workers and engineers, everyone who par ticipates in our economy brings value to our region. Our Workforce Focus Area is committed to collaborating with businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, colleges, trade organizations, and other partners to identify, attract, and develop talented people, to strengthen and retain our Permian workforce.
Our key workforce goals are to:
1
Identify, Target and Attract viable talent pools to the Permian Basin
2 3
Identify and Support Partners to provide development and training for a skilled workforce Partner to Enhance Resources that attract and retain a quality workforce in the Permian Basin
We’re working to meet these goals by investing in workforce initiatives across Texas and New Mexico, including: Post-Secondary Education
$1.9 MILLION
$800 THOUSAND
UTeach Teacher Recruitment
UTeach is a program that recruits and trains STEM majors for the teaching field. In partnership with UTeach and the University of Texas Permian Basin, the PSP provided funding to help cover tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduates majoring in education in a science or math field.
Catalyst Skills Alignment Program
PSP partnered with PetroSkills and the University of Texas Petroleum Extension (PETEX) to develop the Catalyst workforce development program, a first-of-its-kind initiative to align industry training needs with the educational system’s ability to deliver those skills.
$10 MILLION
Hobbs CTE
The PSP helped fund construction of the Hobbs Career and Technical Education Center, which provides career pathways and training for students who wish to pursue technical degrees or enter the workforce after graduation.
We joined forces with America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP), a national veteran organization that connects veterans with local resources and opportunities, to launch the Permian Warrior Partnership, serving all veterans in our region.
Skillpoint Alliance Job Training
PSP provided support for Skillpoint Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides no-cost job training in the skilled trades to lower-income, underserved populations, to expand its services to the Permian Basin. From 2022 through 2024, 303 students have graduated from the Electrical Program and HVAC Program.
Ector County Embraces Career and Technical Education
New CTE Center to Open in 2027
Students want to pursue careers that are in high demand. Businesses want to attract employees who are well-educated and skilled. Ector County ISD’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center will bring education and workforce leaders together with students, to meet both of these goals. The vision for the project was developed in collaboration with businesses and educators in the local community, to ensure that educational programs and the facility’s design are aligned with workforce needs and student interests. The Permian Strategic Partnership invested $10 million in the construction of the new center, with the goal of equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
$10
PSP’s Investment in the ECISD CTE Center MILLION
Students who enroll in the program can choose from a wide range of pathways, preparing them for successful careers in 30 high-demand, high-wage fields, including energy, healthcare, welding, automotive collision, and culinary arts. The campus will feature cutting-edge technology and equipment, providing students with hands-on experience. The CTE program will partner with Odessa College to offer students dual credit opportunities and lead them toward obtaining certifications and degrees for their career path. The new CTE facility will house approximately 400 full-time students and will serve 2,000 additional students who take elective CTE courses at Odessa High School, Permian High School, and New Tech Odessa. It is scheduled to open in 2027.
This
generous contribution will have a lasting
impact
on our students
and
our community. The CTE building will offer world-class opportunities for our students to gain the practical skills and certifications that will set them on a path to success.
DR. SCOTT MURI | 2024 ECTOR COUNTY ISD SUPERINTENDENT
400
Full-Time ECISD Students
2,000
Additional Students Will Have the Opportunity to Take Classes at the CTE Center
30
Career Pathways
MISCELLANEOUS INVESTMENTS
Broadening Impact: Engagement, Awareness, and Regional Pride
In 2024, PSP advanced its mission in a range of meaningful – an d sometimes unexpected – ways. From advocating for voter participation in t he Permian Basin to elevating the region’s profile on a national stage, the se initiatives reflect PSP’s commitment to long-term impact through both grassr oots and broad-scale outreach. Whether encouraging voter turnout across 22 counties or showcasing transformative local projects in a nationally bro adcasted documentary, these efforts share a common goal: empowering Permian residents and amplifying the story of a region on the rise.
Advocating to Increase Voter Turnout
PSP Launches Get Out the Vote 2024
Every voter has a voice in the future of the Permian Basin –but unfortunately, less than 10% of eligible Permian residents voted in the 2023 election. To encourage people living and working in the Permian Basin to take an active role in their communities, the PSP launched its 2024 The Permian Votes Campaign in advance of the November 5, 2024, election.
The campaign had two key goals: to register new voters across the region and encourage participation in the general election. Messaging was provided in both English and Spanish, to reach residents in 22 counties across West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico. Multiple channels of advertising were used to reach voters, including unpaid media placements on local TV stations, paid print and online newspaper ads, radio and video spots, and various in-person voter registration events. The PSP also provided an election webpage where voters could learn how to register to vote, update their registration, and find information on where and when to vote.
Because the average voting age in the Permian Basin is 34, the campaign was tailored to reach younger voters, including those currently in college. Messaging answered questions like “Why should you care about local elections?” and “Why should you vote for your city council members?” Chambers of Commerce across the region were vital partners in this effort, including the Midland Chamber of Commerce, Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Hobbs Chamber of Commerce, and Monahans Chamber of Commerce.
The 2024 The Permian Votes Campaign was the fourth Get Out The Vote campaign sponsored by the PSP. By encouraging voters to make their voices heard, we hope to increase community engagement in the Permian Basin, making it a better place for all who live and work here.
We are proud to partner with PSP to actively engage our region’s Spanish-speaking voters. The PSP recognizes that every voice matters and that the Hispanic community is invested in the future of the region.
ADRIAN CARRASCO | FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE MIDLAND HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Bringing the Permian Basin Into View
Viewpoints Documentary features PSP Projects
PSP is making a significant impact on the Permian Basin –and we want to share it with a larger audience to increase recognition of the region’s importance, and provide an example for other rural communities to follow. In 2024, we produced a short documentary about the Permian Basin and PSP’s efforts to improve it, in collaboration with The Viewpoint Project, the international film production team that creates the award-winning educational series “Viewpoint.”
Our Viewpoint segment was used to highlight two exciting stories about PSP’s work in the Permian Basin: Education Excellence in Ector County, featuring ECISD’s then-superintendent, Dr. Scott Muri, and the new Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico, featuring Janelle Taylor, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and the center’s regional director.
Ms. Taylor was interviewed about the importance of mental health, the challenge of providing healthcare access in rural areas, and the impact that the Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance Center has made on public health and the lives of Permian residents since its opening. Dr. Muri spoke about Ector County ISD’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) center, and the new Harmony School of Innovation Odessa, two transformative initiatives coming to the district soon with PSP support. By focusing on these successful projects, the Viewpoint documentary demonstrates how public and private partnerships can help rural communities thrive, and provides case studies for other regions to replicate.
The documentary was aired in late November 2024 on Fox Business Network, and it will soon be syndicated to appear on public television networks and stations throughout the country. The seven-minute segment is currently available to view any time on YouTube.
ABOUT THE PERMIAN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) is a coalition of 26 leading Permian Basin energy companies and two university systems who joined together to work in partnership with leaders across the region’s communities to address current and future challenges to the responsible development of the vast oil and natural gas resources of the Permian Basin in the states of New Mexico and Texas.
OUR MEMBERS
BPX Energy
ChampionX
Chevron
Civitas
ConocoPhillips
Coterra Energy
Devon Energy
Diamondback Energy
Energy Transfer
EOG Resources
ExxonMobil
Halliburton
Helmerich & Payne
Kinetik
Liberty Energy
Mewbourne Oil Company
Occidental
Ovintiv
Permian Resources
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