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The 2024 South Atlantic Drilling Jubilee concluded with an array of insightful sessions highlighting key industry trends and discussions. Here’s a breakdown of the event’s significant topics as featured in Episode 121 of The Driller Newscast with host Brock Yordy!

A Jubilant Start

Brock Yordy and Sammy Hager kick-started the Newscast with a vibrant discussion on the jubilee's atmosphere. Brock noted the energy and excitement, emphasizing the importance of mid-year gatherings to discuss industry policies. Sammy’s first experience at the conference was marked by meeting future drillers and understanding the industry's familial ties, which she found incredibly inspiring.

As Hager emphasized, “The community, the people, just the energy seeing all of these young future drillers on the showroom floor getting to see what their dads and their moms do for a living—that is so cool. I had a wonderful time, and honestly, my favorite part was just getting to meet everybody.”

Read the #FutureDrillers article for more insights from the youth in drilling!

The Legal Landscape of Water Well Drilling

One of the pivotal discussions at the 2024 South Atlantic Jubilee revolved around the current legal landscape for water well drilling. It was first discussed during the session “Update on Legal Issues Impacting the Water Well Industry,” and Brock had a chance to sit down with the presenter during the event. 

Jesse Richardson, a legal advisor for the Water Systems Council, provided critical insights into ongoing legal battles, such as Texas vs. New Mexico. He highlighted the complexities and long-term implications of groundwater pumping disputes and their impact on agriculture and water rights.

Don’t miss out! Read our Jubilee 2024 Recap

Mandatory Hookups and Water Well Businesses

Another significant topic was the future of mandatory hookups and their potential impact on water well businesses. Richardson discussed the challenges posed by local governments requiring homeowners to connect to public water systems, often citing PFAS contamination as a reason. This mandate, he argued, could undermine the viability of private wells and the businesses that service them.

As Brock explained, “For a rural system to say we need mandatory hookups, it's about maintaining the system-wide network. But at the same time...that municipal system isn't testing for PFAS. But now we're saying, test the private water well for PFAS, and if you have it, you need to hook up." 

Farmers Demand EPA Action on PFAS Contamination

Engaging Young Professionals

The South Atlantic Jubilee also focused on engaging young professionals in the drilling industry. Sessions covered strategies to attract and retain young talent, addressing issues such as employee turnover and the importance of marketing the industry to the younger generation. The conference underscored the need for effective workforce development to ensure the industry’s growth and sustainability.

As Hager stated in regards to the value of the event and attending the Jubilee as a business owner or driller, “If you don't attend, you are missing out. This is an opportunity not just to connect and network and learn and grow. This is an opportunity to get your future generations engaged. This is an opportunity to hear from industry professionals. It's an opportunity to talk about the politics and the critical lessons and laws and things that are impacting this industry directly and obviously the products, the show floor, that's all fantastic, but really what it comes down to is this is an opportunity for growth, for your business, for your industry and to be part of the communications directly instead of having just always to watch it on a screen.”

Interview with Jesse Richardson

A highlight of the newscast was Brock Yordy’s interview with Jesse Richardson. Richardson shared his journey into the field of water law and the increasing importance of water rights in the eastern United States. He also discussed the challenges of mandatory hookups and the critical role of state associations in advocating for the water well industry.

Read the full interview now!

Call to Action

The Newscast concluded with a call to action for industry professionals to engage with their state associations and advocate for policies that support the water well industry. The collaborative efforts of organizations like the Water Systems Council and the National Ground Water Association were highlighted as essential for protecting industry interests and ensuring regulatory support.

As Brock impressed, “I'd like to challenge the rest of the States out there when it comes to the groundwater industry. You know, we have our national conference, and we see the South Atlantic Jubilee partner states come together; we should have a Great Lakes conference. We are better together as we look at interstate groundwater and discussions; the Jubilee does it

right and has been for a very long time, from the days of Porky and Carl Mason and Wayne being on the show floor to all the new faces and legends today. You need to be here.”

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 Jubilee wrapped up, the discussions set a solid foundation for future industry advancements. The collaborative spirit and commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship promise to drive the drilling industry forward.

Join the Conversation

Connect, engage, and stay informed with The Driller as we continue to cover the latest and greatest in geothermal and beyond. Special thanks to the South Atlantic Drilling Jubilee team for a fantastic event.

Thanks for joining us. Tune in each Monday morning for the latest video or podcast. Whether you’re at your desk or on the way to the jobsite listening in the truck, start your week with us. You can also find our show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Brock Yordy, Global Drilling SME, Anchor, and lead content creator at TheDriller.com, wants you to contribute to TheDriller.com. Send news, tips and interview suggestions to questions@askbrock.com.