On June 25, the Permian Road Safety Coalition participated in EnergyPlex 2024 in Hobbs, New Mexico, a sold-out meeting of community members discussing the energy industry’s future in Lea County. PRSC Managing Director Mike Smith moderated the road-safety-focused panel entitled “Connecting the Permian.”

The Economic Development Corporation of Lea County hosts the event annually at the Lea County Events Center. Energy-Plex is a two-day event dedicated to Lea County’s energy industries.

Joining Mike on the panel were Corey Needham, Assistant County Manager for Lea County, and Jay Dee Aten, Atlas Energy Solution Land Manager. The trio discussed Atlas Energy’s “Dune Express” Project that will transport frac sand via conveyor belt and the collaboration such a project required with agencies, including Lea County Government.

Needham also shared an update on the exciting expansion of the Lea County Regional Airport. Upgrades include more parking, an expanded terminal, and longer, stronger runways to allow for larger commercial aircraft to service the airport. ——————————- The PSP-PRSC “Young Driver Safety Clinic” was a success! The sold-out clinic held at the Eddy County Fire Service Complex in Carlsbad, New Mexico, gave young drivers a half-day of training with worldclass instruction from SKILLS Driving professional drivers. Instructors teach correct responses to real-life driving scenarios, such as the dangers of distracted driving, situational awareness, and using the ABS braking system to the driver’s advantage.

State Rep. Cathrynn Brown, representing portions of Eddy County, attended the clinic and shared her insights on driving safely with the students. Brown is also the Ranking Member of the House Transportation Committee in the New Mexico Legislature.

We are grateful that we can play a role in helping today’s youth learn how to navigate roadways and make the Permian Basin safer.