OPINION: With collaboration and investment, Permian will remain an energy powerhouse

If the Permian Basin were a country, it would be one of the top 5 oil producers in the world. New Mexicans living and working there are driving the region’s continued global energy leadership, and they are the key to how the Permian will contribute 50% of U.S. oil production by 2030.

Simply put, this vital region is powering the world.

Meeting demand and enriching local economies, though, will only be possible with strategic investments in the New Mexico communities that support that growth. That's why, to expand on the work of state and local governments to support southeast New Mexico communities, the world’s leading energy companies have set aside competition to collaborate and invest in the people of the Permian through the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP). Over the last six years, this first-of-its-kind philanthropic organization has directly invested over $214 million and leveraged over $2.3 billion in collaborative investments to enhance the quality of life for Permian Basin residents.

Our region’s future growth begins with meeting the workforce needs: nearly 186,000 additional workers are needed by 2040. Local programs and partnerships are helping meet that need in southeast New Mexico, equipping residents with the skills to fill high-demand roles.

The workforce of tomorrow is being educated and trained through programs such as the Career and Technical Education Center of Hobbs (CTECH), Artesia’s Career Tech Education program and Southeast New Mexico College’s cutting-edge “Trades x Technologies” center. These programs equip students and local residents with the skills for high-demand careers in energy and advanced industry sectors, offering vital hands-on learning. The PSP is proud to have invested $15 million to these career development programs throughout the New Mexico Permian Basin this year.

In addition to these fields, the Permian still needs teachers, nurses, doctors, first responders, commercial drivers and more to sustain thriving communities.

New Mexico Junior College expanded a program targeting the critical need for certified drivers, with an estimated 7,000 new commercial drivers needed by 2040, while improving road safety in the Permian, which faces high rates of commercial vehicle accidents. Our investment in the expansion of commercial driver’s license courses increases training capacity through new equipment, additional instructors, scholarships and infrastructure.

Safer roads depend on well-trained drivers, but also on emergency response. To address this challenge, the PSP is strengthening the region’s first-responder pipeline and preparedness.

We proudly partnered with Eddy County Fire and Rescue to create an advanced training program for first responders throughout the Permian. This multi-pronged approach will increase access to fire and EMS training, improving readiness and recruitment. A just announced investment of $325,000 will pay for five state-of-the-art cardiac monitors that will be installed on Carlsbad Fire Department ambulances and EMS support units.

To further strengthen resilience, we are investing in access to mental health care. From Carlsbad to Jal, and through virtual care that reaches every corner of our region, our partnership with Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance expands essential access to high-quality mental health services, giving people in southeast New Mexico the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

The impact of the Permian Basin region is felt across the entire state. Although the Permian is home to only 9.2% of the state’s population, the region produces over a quarter, 25.9%, of New Mexico’s private sector GDP. With continued collaboration and investments, the Permian will remain a powerhouse on the global energy stage and a place of prosperity for generations to come.

Tracee Bentley is President and CEO of the Permian Strategic Partnership.