Jackson Walker partner Benjamin R. Rhem spoke on a panel at the fourth annual MIDSTREAM Texas conference on June 6, 2018, in Midland, Texas. The panel discussion addressed key issues executives face as the midstream build-out continues amid legal and regulatory challenges, such as transportation rates, increased litigation, eminent domain, environmental oversight, and cybersecurity risks.

Drawing more than 700 professionals interested in midstream activity, MIDSTREAM Texas offered several executive presentations exploring key projects, challenges and opportunities facing producers, operators, and service providers as they navigate a changing market. At the conference, over 20 senior-level executives discussed topics surrounding current and prospective midstream activity around the state, including the importance of Texas to the global oil and gas business, A&D activity, water management, technology, and Mexico’s internal midstream. For more information about the conference, visit the MIDSTREAM Texas website.

In a MIDSTREAM Business article detailing the roundtable discussion, Ben was featured discussing Texas’ long-standing relationship with energy:

“I certainly think Texas knows where its bread is buttered and certainly is an energy-friendly state. In Texas, there is a robust energy infrastructure that industries are able to access more easily than they are in other places.”

To view the article, read MIDSTREAM Business’ “Don’t Worry, Texas Will Still Be Energy Friendly.” A subscription may be required to access the full article.

Meet Ben

Austin partner Benjamin R. Rhem advises clients in the power generation, oil and gas, and mining industries regarding compliance with federal and state environmental laws. He works regularly before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Ben’s practice also extends beyond environmental law, as he assists clients dealing with regulatory issues before Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and Mine Safety and Health Administration. Ben has given numerous presentations regarding environmental and pipeline regulations, and in July 2015, his presentation entitled “GHG Regulation and the Politics of Climate Change for the Oil and Gas Industry” was published in the 61st Annual Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Institute. Ben has also co-authored the 2018 edition of O’Connor’s Texas Oil & Gas Statutes & Regulations with fellow Jackson Walker attorneys Jay K. Wieser and Joseph “Tré” A. Fischer. He received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and has been recognized among Thomson Reuters’ “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars” list since 2016.