Texas has large resources of oil and natural gas that remain unrecovered. Unlike exploration and development in the past, today's remaining resource base does not depend on the discovery of large new fields; rather, the resource base becomes producible reserves by focusing on relatively small production increments. Economic efficiencies can be obtained through the transfer and application of technology, both existing technology and techniques that are as yet undeveloped.

Historically, independent producers have been a critical part of Texas' oil and gas operations. As many major oil companies shift their efforts abroad, the role of independents in exploration, development, and production becomes even more important.

Most small independent operators lack internal research and technology-development capabilities; instead, they rely on external sources for such activity. Determining the kinds of information needed and developing focused ways of getting data and technology to the independents are critical to Texas and the nation.

The joint efforts being made by the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners and the Bureau of Economic Geology, in cooperation with other program sponsors and universities, are fundamental steps. We are pleased that the Governor's Energy Office, in a grant to the Bureau of Economic Geology, has been able to support this program and the assistance it will provide in furthering Texas' oil and gas production.