Reflection on TCU Global Energy Symposium

The TCU Global Energy Symposium held on March 21st, 2024, was a meeting point of
minds across the spectrum of the energy industry. With a primary focus on how energy
intertwines intricately with all aspects of the global economy, the event underscored the urgency of the ongoing discussion about energy security, economics, independence, and the future trajectory of energy development.

Attending the event, it was clear that this symposium was not just another academic
gathering; it was a gathering of diverse perspectives aimed at a common goal:
identifying pathways to ensure the continuation and enhancement of human prosperity. What stood out were two speakers, Harold Hamm and Alex Epstein, who, despite their backgrounds, have converged on a shared energy narrative.

Alex Epstein, often labeled as a "coastal elite" due to his educational stint at Duke
University and then move to Southern California, brings a viewpoint to an industry often generally dominated by traditionalists. You don’t normally think of Southern California as a hotbed for oil & gas philosophy! His approach is philosophical, rooted deeply in the idea that human flourishing is contingent upon the availability of low-cost energy solutions. He speaks with clarity, cutting through complex topics with precision. At the symposium, he separated myths from facts, supporting each point with concrete data, insisting that flourishing societies are fueled by affordable energy sources.

On the other hand, Harold Hamm's story is one of tenacity and the American dream
personified. Born to Oklahoma sharecroppers, the youngest among thirteen siblings,
Hamm's journey from operating a single mud truck to helming Continental Resources,
one of the largest private oil and gas producers in the U.S., is nothing short of
legendary. At the symposium, his discourse on energy independence was a robust
reminder of the United States' pivotal role in global energy supply and the critical
contributions of entities like Continental Resources.

Their backgrounds could not be more differnet—Epstein, the philosophical academic
from the coast, and Hamm, the self-made entrepreneur from the heartland. Yet, their
conclusions are strikingly aligned: fossil fuels are integral to human development and
prosperity. Their alignment underscores a critical aspect of the energy debate; facts and outcomes take precedence over backgrounds and ideologies.

Moreover, their shared vision extends beyond just theory. It represents a pragmatic
understanding of the world's current state—acknowledging that despite the growing
momentum for renewable sources, fossil fuels continue to be the most efficient energy
providers, especially in the context of developing nations where cost is a paramount
consideration. This perspective doesn't undermine the significance of the renewables
but calls for a balanced and realistic approach towards energy transition.

It was a reinforcing experience to witness that despite the diversity in their origins, both speakers are stalwarts in their respect for factual integrity—a quality that echoes the ethos of companies like Pecos Country Operating and Trevino Resources, committed to providing low-cost energy solutions. Their stories and data affirm the daily mission we embody—whether we step into the office or out in the field, the pursuit of efficient and affordable energy remains paramount.

As we advance into an era where the energy landscape is evolving, the insights from
the TCU Global Energy Symposium serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue,
diversity of thought, and a data-driven approach to navigating the complex web of global energy needs.

The underlying message is clear: the path to human flourishing is inextricably linked to our collective ability to harness energy efficiently and sustainably.

RT Trevino III