Recently, ExxonMobil hit a big milestone—drilling its 1,000th horizontal well in the New Mexico portion of the Delaware Basin. And they did it in just seven years. It’s a huge achievement that showcases the company’s rapid growth and technical expertise, but it also sparks conversations about environmental impact, water use, and long-term sustainability in the region.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team to safely and responsibly deliver 1,000 wells in the Delaware Basin,” said Scott Buechler, Delaware Basin Production Manager at ExxonMobil. “It took thousands of people working together for years to make this happen. It’s incredible to see what a diverse group of professionals can accomplish when they share a common goal.”

Since kicking off horizontal drilling in the Delaware Basin in 2017, ExxonMobil has made the most of its large, connected acreage—especially after acquiring Pioneer Natural Resources—to boost efficiency. The company has also tapped into advanced technology to drill longer laterals, which helps reduce land disturbance while increasing resource recovery.

One standout achievement? ExxonMobil’s four-mile laterals in the Poker Lake development. By drilling longer wells, they’ve been able to cut down on the number of drilling sites, which means less impact on the land. Plus, they’re integrating low-emission central vessel batteries and fully electrified compressor stations into their operations, pushing toward their goal of net-zero emissions in their Delaware Basin assets by 2030.

Environmental Concerns and Community Pushback

Despite the company’s emphasis on efficiency and emissions reductions, ExxonMobil’s rapid expansion has not been without controversy. Critics argue that drilling 1,000 wells—no matter how efficient—still has significant environmental consequences.

One major concern is water consumption. Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) require vast amounts of water, straining local aquifers in an already arid region. Environmental groups worry that continued drilling could exacerbate water scarcity issues, particularly as drought conditions persist in the Southwest.

“These operations use millions of gallons of water per well, and much of it becomes wastewater that is difficult to treat,” said Sharon Wilson, a senior field advocate with Earthworks. “Longer lateral wells might mean fewer drilling sites, but they also mean more water per well.”

There are also concerns about methane emissions and air pollution. While ExxonMobil touts its use of low-emission technology, environmental advocates remain skeptical about how much impact it will have on overall greenhouse gas emissions.

“ExxonMobil’s promise of net-zero emissions in the Delaware Basin doesn’t account for the emissions from burning the oil and gas they produce,” said Adrian Shelley, director of Public Citizen Texas. “It’s like claiming you’re on a diet while still selling junk food.”

ExxonMobil isn’t stopping at 1,000 wells—it has big plans for future development. The company is using advanced "cube development" techniques to tap into multiple geological formations, like the Bone Spring and Wolfcamp intervals. According to ExxonMobil, this approach helps maximize efficiency and cut down on waste, but there are still concerns about water use, emissions, and land disruption.

As drilling continues, the challenge will be finding the right balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility. With regulators, local communities, and environmental groups keeping a close eye on its operations, ExxonMobil will likely face ongoing scrutiny as it expands in the region.