Energy
AgriLife Extension’s Response to the Energy Boom
By: J.C. Johnson
Over the past several years there has been a great shift in Texas. Not political power or in the summer heat, but the oil and gas boom. Eleven Texas counties are ranked among the top 50 fastest growing countries in the country. Because of this boom, the Texas population has grown rapidly and economic growth has increased exponentially. However, this growth is not without issues.
With an expansion in population and economy comes a whole gamut of issues, from the need for increased housing, infrastructure, and public services, as well as maintenance and congestion on roads. It creates possibilities for increased development and creation of wealth.
One of the responses from AgriLife Extension to assist with the energy boom is helping people take advantage of the additional income they receive from mineral rights. This additional income has opened up questions on how to better manage and protect their wealth and pass on interest in their mineral rights to their heirs.
AgriLife Extension is helping people realize current estate tax exemptions and transfers of estates as a gift.
Tiffany Dowell explains AgriLife Extension’s goals in the oil and gas areas. “Extension has been working hard to help provide information to Texas landowners on these issues. County extension agents, particularly in West Texas, have scheduled numerous county programs. I frequently speak at these programs and provide general information on oil and gas law, focusing in particular on surface owner rights, the implied right to use the surface estate, disposal well regulations, and negotiation tips for landowners dealing with pipeline companies seeking easements.”
AgriLife Extension has been making a difference in the lives of individuals by helping them manage their newfound wealth to keep what is theirs.
14 in ’14 is a monthly series celebrating the centennial anniversary of the passage of the Smith-Lever Act, the legislation which created the national cooperative extension system. Each month we will feature people, programs, history, and ideas highlighting some of the unique accomplishments of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
14 in ’14 is a joint effort between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Organizational Development Unit and graduate students from the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications at Texas A&M University, under the direction of Scott Cummings, Jeff Ripley, and Kevin Andrews.