She believes this image stems from a lack of quality communications with the public about the industry. Sometimes it was the public's lack of interest. But mostly it was reluctance of those in our industry to speak out openly and clearly. There are exceptions. Curtis Mewbourne, President of Mewbourne Oil Co. and an SPE member, is taking his message to anyone who'll listen.
Communication is the key.
When people think about pollution or environmental problems, the oil and gas industry has received a very bad name. They don't understand that a shopping center on several acres of asphalt creates more problems than drilling an oil or gas well. We as an industry have failed to communicate with the general public. Mewbourne said this lack of communication has created a major problem in attracting young people to our industry. We need quality people with good sharp minds.