FUELING UTAH’S GROWTH AND PROSPERITY Pub. 7 2026 Issue 2 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UTAH PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION Expanding the Definition of Safety in Utah’s Energy Industry
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Mission Statement The Utah Petroleum Association (UPA) is a Utah-based, statewide petroleum trade association representing companies involved in all aspects of Utah’s oil and gas industry. We exist to serve our member companies and advance the responsible development of Utah’s natural resources and manufacture of fuels that drive Utah’s economy. Executive Committee Brad Shafer Marathon Petroleum (Chair) Dan Brooks Crescent Energy (Vice Chair, Upstream) Jeremy Price HF Sinclair (Vice Chair, Downstream) Ocean Munds-Dry SM Energy Spencer Kimball FourPoint Resources Cameron Cuch Uinta Wax Drew McCallister Greylock Energy Stephen Jeffs Silver Eagle Refining Rocky Edelman Big West Oil Keelen Hauptman Anschutz Exploration Corporation (AEC) Nick Tunnell Scout Energy Josh Anders Savage Chad Calvert Chevron UPA Administrative Staff & Office Rikki Hrenko-Browning President Eden Newell Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Jennette King Administrative Assistant Marise Textor Air Policy Jon Ekstrom Communications Lead
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 6 Focus Amid Uncertainty By Rikki Hrenko-Browning, President, UPA 8 Expanding the Definition of Safety in Utah’s Energy Industry 10 Building Utah’s Energy Workforce, Today and Tomorrow EVENTS SPOTLIGHT 11 Connecting Utah’s Energy Ecosystem Young Professionals Networking Lunch Vendor Reverse Expo Topgolf Charity Mixer 14 Inside UPA: Committees and Work Groups Pub. 7 2026 Issue 2 11 17 20 ©2026 Utah Petroleum Association (UPA) | MBR Connect™, formerly The newsLINK Group LLC. All rights reserved. UPdate is published three times each year and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the UPA, its board of directors or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. UPdate is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of UPA. While UPdate encourages a first‑print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (801) 676-9722. 10 6 14 Utah Energy By the Numbers The Economic Impact of Utah’s Oil and Gas Industry 16 UBTech Oil & Gas Refresher Course 17 UPA Launches New ‘Shootout Hunger’ Partnership for Greater Impact 18 UPA Member Highlights 19 UPA Membership Updates 20 2026 UPA Event Calendar 22 Thank You, UPA Chairman’s Circle Members 4 UPDATE
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Focus Amid Uncertainty PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Rikki Hrenko-Browning No matter when you read this, the situation in Iran and around the Strait of Hormuz will almost certainly remain a pertinent issue, and the day’s particulars will be different than those of yesterday, last week and last month. The world has dealt with disruptions in crude oil supply, prices and delivery before — but in recent memory, not on this scale or for this long. We would be more specific here, but you’re reading this in a magazine (either in physical form or, more likely, digitally), and there’s a lag between authoring the pieces that appear here and when the finished product is ready for consumption. Thanks to technological advances, that lag time has decreased dramatically, allowing content to stay fresher for longer. President, UPA 6 UPDATE
Yet the volatility of the situation in the Middle East precludes us from speaking with any concrete detail about the impacts felt here in the United States, and in Utah more specifically. This puts us in an interesting bind because, if you’ve read our Utah Energy United dispatches sent directly to your inbox every Friday, you know that the global price of crude oil is the number one issue that affects everything from gasoline prices to the development plans of oil and gas companies. And since late February, that price has fluctuated wildly. The ripple effects are felt literally everywhere and in almost everything we use every day, yet commenting directly on these circumstances here will immediately render this message hilariously out-of-date, and perhaps even woefully out-of-touch. Like any organization, UPA has to keep one eye on everything happening today and the other on what lies ahead, both in the short and long term. What events are right around the corner? Who are we meeting with today, tomorrow or the next day to discuss roads, air quality, fuel supply, severance tax or any of the other dozen issues that demand immediate attention? Meanwhile, how do we ensure that our first-of-its-kind 2027 Rockies Petroleum Conference in Denver, a joint effort with the Colorado Oil & Gas Association and Petroleum Association of Wyoming, delivers value to members of all three organizations and meets the needs of an ever-changing energy landscape? The teams of all three organizations are already meeting regularly, even though the conference is more than a year away. While we cannot predict exactly what they will look like, we’re certain there are curveballs ahead that we must eventually account for. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, considering you likely work for an organization that goes through an annual budgeting process. The process can take months, involve a lot of back-and-forth among multiple stakeholders, and, in their final form, may bear little resemblance to what they looked like at the start. Our industry is big, complex and full of risk in many forms. A degree of uncertainty is baked into our business, but we all do the best we can with the information we have at any given time. One is reminded of the “Serenity Prayer,” attributed to Protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr in the 1930s, published by YWCA official Winnifred Wygal, adopted famously by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1940s and later commoditized by Hallmark in the ‘60s, appearing on graduation cards, ornaments, posters and wall plaques ever since. You’ve likely heard it, but here is the most common construction for reference: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” In the context of the current moment, this feels especially salient. Relatedly, there’s another expression, attributable to every teacher throughout history, that goes like this: “Keep your eyes on your own paper.” The best thing we can do during tumultuous times is focus on fundamentals and do the best we can, given what we presently know and can reasonably predict. We exert influence on larger issues when and where we can, then reassess and adapt when the winds inevitably shift again. At UPA, we’re focused on what we know and do best. So, in this issue, you’ll find the usual assortment of stories of good work from our members, articles about innovations, recaps and pictures from our events and announcements about things to come. As the voice of the industry in Utah, these are our fundamentals, and they only work because of you. An active and engaged membership enriches all of our professional lives, and in a world that often serves up heaps of uncertainty, we’re grateful for the support and camaraderie of those closest to us. Thank you, and enjoy the issue. 7 UPDATE
Safety is a cornerstone of the oil and natural gas industry. From the wellhead to transportation and processing, companies across Utah prioritize protecting their workforce through rigorous standards, training and continuous improvement. That definition of safety is evolving. Part of that evolution is a growing recognition that safety extends beyond the job site and into the communities where we live and operate. This broader perspective reflects a deeper commitment to responsibility, awareness and leadership. One example of this expanded approach is the work being done in partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). As a state with EXPANDING the Definition of Safety in Utah’s Energy Industry 8 UPDATE
if you’re seeing a crime in progress. (See the back of this card for details to take note of when calling 911 or local law enforcement.) to ascertain if you’re witnessing human trafficking, to access services, make a report, or share incidents that have been reported to law enforcement. based on your comfort level: A. Tell management at location what you’ve seen. B. Ask the victim if you can help and assess how. 1 2 3 Call 911 Call the hotline Provide support Download the TAT app! National Human Trafficking Hotlines: 1-888-3737-888 (US) 1-833-900-1010 (CAN) 01800-5533-000 (MEX) MAKE THE CALL, SAVE LIVES. www.tatnonprofit.org Truckers are the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways. If you suspect someone could be a victim of human trafficking: significant transportation activity supporting energy development, particularly in the Uinta Basin, Utah’s oil and natural gas workforce is uniquely positioned to make an impact. By increasing awareness and providing training, initiatives like TAT empower drivers, field personnel and industry professionals to recognize and report potential human trafficking. It is a simple but powerful extension of the industry’s safety culture: see something, say something. Given the abundance of our workforce on the roads, it’s vital that we recognize the influence and visibility our workforce already has and leverage it positively for the greater good. Every day, thousands of individuals across our industry operate in areas and along corridors where vigilance can make a real difference. UPA is proud to support efforts that reflect this broader definition of safety — one that protects not only our workforce, but also the communities we serve. As our industry continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of what it means to lead. Expanding safety beyond the job site is one example of how Utah’s oil and natural gas sector is rising to meet that responsibility. 9 UPDATE
Building Utah’s Energy Workforce, Today and Tomorrow The biggest strength of Utah’s oil and natural gas industry has always been its people. From field operators and CDL drivers to technicians and engineers, a skilled and reliable workforce remains essential to sustaining operations and supporting future growth. As the industry evolves, so too do the demands on its workforce. Across the state, companies are navigating a tightening labor market while continuing to prioritize safety, efficiency and innovation. Roles that require specialized training and hands-on expertise — particularly in transportation, field services and technical operations — are becoming increasingly critical. At the same time, there is a growing opportunity to strengthen the talent pipeline through partnerships with educational institutions and workforce development programs. Efforts to connect students and emerging professionals with career pathways in energy are helping to build awareness and create long-term opportunities for both individuals and the industry. UPA continues to support these conversations and connections, working alongside members and partners to highlight workforce needs and promote sustainable solutions. 10 UPDATE
EVENTS SPOTLIGHT Connecting Utah’s Energy Ecosystem UPA’s events continue to serve as a platform for connection, collaboration and community engagement across Utah’s oil and natural gas industry. In the second quarter of the year, we saw strong participation across a range of events designed to bring members together, foster relationships and support meaningful causes. Young Professionals Networking Lunch Our Young Professionals Networking Lunch (YPNL) continues to build momentum, providing a space for emerging leaders to engage, share perspectives and develop connections within the industry. 11 UPDATE
Vendor Reverse Expo The Vendor Reverse Expo created a unique opportunity for attendees to connect, highlight innovation, strengthen business relationships and increase visibility for companies across the supply chain. The event brought together operators, service providers and industry partners in a collaborative setting designed to strengthen relationships, increase vendor visibility and encourage conversations across the supply chain. From operational solutions to emerging technologies and services, the Expo highlighted the depth of expertise and innovation that supports Utah’s energy sector every day. More importantly, the event reinforced what continues to make UPA strong: connection and collaboration among members committed to advancing the industry together. We appreciate all the companies that participated and helped make this year’s Expo another successful event, including Fabian Vancott, Bodell, C&I Engineering, Collins Engineers, TriHydro, Harder Mechanical, Ads Up, Emerson, CAP Logistics and Ferguson. We look forward to continuing to grow this event and its impact. 12 UPDATE
Topgolf Charity Mixer UPA members and industry partners gathered for another successful Topgolf Charity Mixer, enjoying an afternoon of networking, friendly competition, great food and meaningful industry connection all in support of a great cause. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with industry peers outside of the day-to-day work environment while raising funds to support the UBTech Drilling Simulator initiative, an important workforce development resource designed to enhance hands-on industry training and education. Thanks to our members’ generous support, we raised a total of $10,145.40. The continued support and participation from our members reflects the strong sense of community within Utah’s oil and natural gas industry and the shared commitment to investing in the next generation of energy professionals. Thank you to the participants and supporters who helped make this event another success, in addition to our incredible sponsors: Uinta Wax, Wildcat Midstream, Finley Resources, Crescent Energy, Marathon Petroleum, Big West Oil, Halliburton, TriHydro, Bodell, Wasatch Energy Management, CAP Logistics, United Rentals, Savage, Lear & Lear, Collins Engineers, PK Companies, Superheat, Chevron and Pipe Fabricating. 13 UPDATE
Inside UPA: Committees and Work Groups UPA committees and work groups play a critical role in advancing industry priorities, working with regulators and policymakers, and providing members with opportunities to engage directly on the issues that matter most. This overview provides a look at the work being done behind the scenes every day to advance our industry and ensure the success of our members. • Upstream Committee: Addresses operational and regulatory priorities impacting producers and midstream operators. Recent work has included updating a bonding rule with the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and engaging with Duchesne County on local ordinances and permits. • Upstream Air Committee: Focused on air quality, emissions, and compliance with our crude and natural gas producers and midstream operators. Recent work has included efforts to streamline permitting through a Permit by Rule program, as well as active engagement in EPA’s reconsideration of the Uinta Basin ozone standard. • Upstream Safety Committee: Promotes best practices and collaboration on safety across operations. Recent work has included a new Oilfield 101 course with UBTech. • Transportation Committee: Covers logistics, infrastructure and transportation challenges by bringing our basin producers, trucking company members and refineries together. Work is currently focused on improving safety and reducing fugitive emissions during crude loading. • Refinery Regulatory Committee: Focuses primarily on air quality and regulatory matters. Recent successes include years of strategic efforts toward PM2.5 attainment and the proposed actions on the Wasatch Front ozone reconsideration. • Legislative Committee: Tracks legislative bills and provides coverage of issues over the interim. Recent wins include successful navigation of the gas tax proposal in the 2026 session, expansion of the HCITC and pollution control tax credit, legislation on the use of produced water, and approximately $100 million in funding for road improvements to support the growing crude export market. While this isn’t a comprehensive list of all our committees and work groups, these groups are an important part of UPA’s value — offering members a platform to directly influence policy and regulations, stay informed, and engage with peers across the industry on issues that affect their day-to-day operations. Utah Energy By the Numbers The Economic Impact of Utah’s Oil and Gas Industry The American Petroleum Institute (API) commissioned a study conducted by PwC “to quantify the economic contribution of the U.S. oil and natural gas industry in terms of employment, labor income and value added at the national, state and congressional district levels. In addition, the analysis includes estimates of the industry’s tax contributions at both the national and state levels.” The executive summary continues: “The industry’s total economic contribution is measured through three key channels for calendar year 2023: • Direct effects, stemming from employment, production, and investment within the oil and natural gas industry itself; • Indirect effects, generated through the industry’s purchases of goods and services from a broad range of domestic suppliers; and • Induced effects, resulting from household spending by employees and business owners within the industry and its supply chain, as well as from dividend-related consumption by shareholders.” UPA took the data from the API’s findings and compiled it into a helpful one-page infographic (see the next page). You can view and download it online by scanning the QR code. https://utahpetroleum.org/ wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ API-Economic-Data-One-pager_- EN050826-8.5x11-scaled.jpg 14 UPDATE
UBTech Oil & Gas Refresher Course UPA is pleased to share that the new Oil & Gas Refresher Course, developed in collaboration with UBTech, officially launched on April 28. The course is designed to support both new and existing industry professionals, offering a comprehensive refresher on key oil and natural gas concepts, operations and terminology across the value chain. Rather than focusing on a single topic, the program covers a broad range of subject areas, providing participants with a well-rounded understanding of how different parts of the industry connect from field operations to production, transportation and sales. The course is intended to: • Reinforce foundational knowledge for current employees • Support onboarding and training for new hires • Improve cross-functional understanding across teams • Bolster workforce competency and safety awareness This initiative reflects UPA’s continued focus on workforce development and industry alignment, ensuring that both new entrants and experienced professionals have access to practical, relevant training that supports day-to-day operations. We encourage member companies to consider this program a resource for employee development and an opportunity to strengthen internal knowledge and capabilities. UPA will continue working with UBTech to expand and align training offerings with the evolving needs of Utah’s oil and natural gas industry. For a class schedule of the course, please contact Jake Stone at (435) 828-6679 or Seth Taylor at setht@ubtech.edu. 16 UPDATE
UPA Launches New ‘Shootout Hunger’ Partnership for Greater Impact This September, UPA is proud to launch an exciting new collaboration with the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Miracle of Agriculture Foundation in support of the annual Uinta Basin “Shootout Hunger” Food Drive Competition. For years, UPA members have demonstrated an incredible commitment to supporting local families through the Shootout Hunger Food Drive, helping provide thousands of pounds of food to communities across the Uinta Basin. This year, we’re expanding that impact by introducing new opportunities to support local food pantries through donations of high-protein food. Through our partnership with the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation, participating companies will be able to contribute in several ways, including traditional food drive efforts, direct protein purchases, financial contributions and livestock purchases through local county fairs. This collaboration helps ensure that families in need have access not only to pantry staples but also to nutritious protein sources that are often in short supply. The competition will once again bring together Utah’s energy industry in a friendly contest with a serious purpose: addressing food insecurity in the communities where we live and work. Additional details, participation guidelines and scoring information can be found on our website by scanning the QR code. https://members.utahpetroleum.org/eventcalendar/Details/ shootout-hunger-food-drive-competition-1600680 Together, we can make this year’s Shootout Hunger Food Drive Competition the most impactful yet. 17 UPDATE
UPA Member Highlights UPA is proud to highlight the companies that drive innovation, uphold strong safety practices and contribute to the communities where they operate. For the second quarter of the year, UPA is proud to highlight both Halliburton and Emerson among its members and appreciates the companies’ continued contributions to advancing technology, operational excellence and the future of energy development. Halliburton As one of the world’s leading energy services companies, Halliburton has a long history of delivering innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency, reliability and performance across the oil and natural gas value chain. Most recently, the company announced the launch of its Volta™ all-electric intelligent completions control system, a next-generation technology designed to provide real-time reservoir insight while reducing complexity and enhancing operational flexibility. The Volta system reflects Halliburton’s commitment to helping operators optimize production through advanced digital capabilities and smarter field operations. Innovations like these play an important role in supporting the industry’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, maximize resource recovery and meet evolving energy demands. Emerson For decades, Emerson has been a trusted partner to the oil and natural gas industry, providing advanced automation, measurement, instrumentation and digital technologies that help operators optimize performance across the value chain. From wellhead operations and midstream infrastructure to refining and processing facilities, Emerson’s solutions enable real-time data insights, improved reliability and enhanced operational decision-making. As the energy industry continues to embrace digital transformation, Emerson remains at the forefront of innovation, helping companies leverage automation and advanced analytics to improve safety, increase efficiency and maximize asset performance. 18 UPDATE
UPA Membership Updates The Utah Petroleum Association is proud to share continued momentum within our membership, including the welcome addition of several new member companies representing a wide range of expertise across Utah’s energy value chain. We’re thrilled to see UPA’s membership continue to grow and diversify, strengthening collaboration across Utah’s oil and natural gas industry. Thank you to our new members for being part of UPA. We are glad to have you! Welcome to Our New Members SILVER MEMBER BRONZE MEMBERS 19 UPDATE
2026 UPA Event Calendar AUGUST 5 Golf Evening Reception Dinner 6-8 p.m. Zermatt Resort, Midway An evening reception before Utah’s premier golf tournament — great for networking in a relaxed setting. AUGUST 6 Oil & Gas Classic Golf Tournament 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Soldier Hollow Golf Course, Midway One of UPA’s most anticipated annual events — join industry peers for a full day of golf, business building and community. AUGUST 24-SEPTEMBER 9 Shootout Hunger Food Drive Competition A multi-day competition across the basin to support local food pantries and give back to the communities where we live and work. SEPTEMBER 10 UPA Basin Shootout A fun, spirited shooting competition that brings together members and friends of the industry — all skill levels welcome! SEPTEMBER 23-24 Uintah Basin Energy Summit All day Uintah Conference Center, Vernal SEPTEMBER 23 UB Energy Summit Reception, hosted by UPA 4-6:30 p.m. Uintah Conference Center, Vernal SEPTEMBER 24 Q3 Young Professionals Networking Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vernal Brewery, Vernal NOVEMBER 11 Fall STEM Fest DECEMBER 3 Q4 Young Professionals Networking Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Brio Italian Grille, Salt Lake City 20 UPDATE
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Based in Denver, Colorado, AEC is a private, independent oil and gas company with assets located in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. AEC and its predecessors have participated in significant discoveries and the development of oil and gas resources worldwide. Big West Oil is committed to be a top-tier refiner, marketer and employer in the Rocky Mountain Region, focused on building lasting value through operational excellence, continuous improvement and pursuit of internal and external growth opportunities. Chevron’s success is driven by our people and their commitment to getting the results the right way — by operating responsibly, executing with excellence, applying innovative technologies and capturing new opportunities for profitable growth. Crescent Energy is an independent energy company primarily engaged in exploring, developing and producing oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids in the Eagle Ford, Uinta and Barnett shales. Our mission is to create a sustainable, transparent and returns-driven company. FourPoint Resources is a private exploration and production company based in Denver, Colorado, managed by FourPoint Energy. They take a rigorous approach to geoscience and engineering, combining this approach with their operational expertise and innovation to expand the known limits of the most prolific parts of resource plays. Greylock’s leadership is an experienced team with decades in the energy industry and possessing a wealth of knowledge and unmatched expertise relating to operations, particularly in shale development. HF Sinclair, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent petroleum refiner and marketer that produces high-value light products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel and other specialty products. HF Sinclair produces base oils and other specialized lubricants in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands, and exports products to more than 80 countries. Thank You, UPA Chairman’s Circle Members 22 UPDATE
Marathon Petroleum Company is in the business of creating value for our shareholders through the quality products and services we provide for our customers. As a result, we strive to always act responsibly with those who work for us, with those business partners who work with us, and in every community where we operate. Savage brings deep expertise in logistics, materials handling and integrated infrastructure solutions that are critical to oilfield operations and midstream connectivity. Savage’s team plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency for energy producers throughout the basin and the Intermountain West. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Scout EP is a private energy company focused on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and natural gas assets throughout the U.S. Rockies, including a growing footprint in Utah’s Uinta Basin. Silver Eagle endeavors to be a good corporate neighbor by assisting in positive ways with the Woods Cross and South Davis communities. Silver Eagle endeavors to work collaboratively with municipality governments, agencies and private groups to improve the quality of life within the immediate surroundings of our Woods Cross Refinery. SM Energy is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with a long-standing, principled approach to doing business ethically and sustainably. Our purpose is to make people’s lives better by responsibly producing energy supplies, contributing to domestic energy security and prosperity, and having a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Uinta Wax explores and produces oil and natural gas, including Utah Industrial Wax and other related products. With an experienced leadership team focusing on solid horizontal production results, Uinta Wax serves customers throughout the United States. 23 UPDATE
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