The Driller

New Lead Driller? Brock Yordy Says Growth Matters More Than the Title

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Brock Yordy shares practical advice for new lead drillers on earning trust, managing ego, trusting instincts, and developing the next generation of drilling professionals.

Geo X: The Generation Bridging the Energy Transition

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

As deep geothermal grabs headlines and investment dollars, the geothermal exchange community is quietly delivering scalable results today. Drawing parallels to Generation X, one industry veteran makes the case for "Geo X," a movement built on proven technology, pragmatic innovation, and a determination to claim its place in the energy transition.

The silent safety hazard? Neglecting the mental health of our drilling and construction workforce

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:36:08 -0400

The idea of leave the drama at home and get back to work is the standard. But how's that working out for today's tradesmen?

PPE is not just physical, it's also needs to be protection for the mental health of our workforce too

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:05:12 -0400

You would never step onto a site without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Your mental health requires its own PPE load out.

The Global Pitch

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As nations race toward decarbonization targets, geothermal developers are turning to advanced drilling, subsurface modeling, and innovative well designs to unlock reliable baseload power at scale.

Parker’s Story: A toast to a dear friend in drilling

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

One of the toughest guys to ever do it, Bob Parker is a cautionary tale for the rest of us

The Geothermal Machine: Drilling out of our old energy ways

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:01:38 -0400

When it comes to geothermal energy, we are aiming for mass global deployment, but a revolution of this scale requires a starting line.

House passes bipartisan geothermal energy package

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:23:43 -0400

Geothermal power has been used in the United States for nearly 70 years, but it still generates less than 1% of the nation’s electricity.

Coal plant extension reignites the debate between job creation and environmental responsibility

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:01:04 -0400

As the DOE commits to keeping more coal plants active, the decision pits dependable power against research into clean energy transition

What’s it like to be in the business of drilling? We ask an unlikely face in a growing industry.

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

He came to drilling with questions, not experience. Two years later, Gerard Sylvain says humility, hard work, and the right team made all the difference.

From power generation to water supply, here’s what the impending El Niño can expose

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:30:00 -0400

El Niño is coming. Brock Yordy explains the impacts on groundwater, drilling job sites, and global water infrastructure.

USGS launches nationwide water availability tool for future planning

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:23:24 -0400

New national water availability assessment provides data to help evaluate water supply and demand long term across the United States.

Fueling the fight over the future of Michigan's water? A $16 billion AI data center

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:41:08 -0400

Can the Great Lakes State afford AI's thirst for water? It's the question Michigan residents and others are asking.

Growing uncertainty for America’s clean energy future

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:15:10 -0400

Interior secretary Doug Burgum’s appeal of a federal renewable energy ruling could create new challenges for geothermal projects and permitting reform.

Looking at shallow geothermal from a 'low temperature, high impact' perspective

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Two leaders in shallow geothermal react to the recent Hill Day, the industry’s annual fly-in to Washington, D.C.

Florida-based Next Era Energy wants in on wind

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:57:08 -0400

The merger would give company larger market value than any U.S. energy company other than the two oil giants, ExxonMobil and Chevron.

EPA announces $2.9 billion project to eradicate lead-based piping still used today in drinking water.

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:38:05 -0400

The EPA says it's prepared for the long haul when it comes to providing cleaner water.

New Hydro-Excavation equipment reflects industry push for efficiency

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:28:10 -0400

MTech just produced three new tools designed to help reduce physical strain on crews while also shortening setup times, particularly during lift station cleaning or work in confined areas.

Is $39 million enough to clean up PFAS contamination in Pennsylvania? The EPA thinks so.

Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

This new wave of funding specifically targets drinking water contamination in vulnerable communities.

Can abandoned oil wells become geothermal energy sources?

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:46:38 -0400

As more states explore converting orphan wells into clean heat, this multipurpose approach to remediation could solve a widespread problem.

Three takeaways from May's EPA budget hearing

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:33:28 -0400

The agency was back at Capitol Hill earlier this month for another high-stakes hearing. Here are the big points and what affects the drilling industry

Three bits: Preparing for El Nino, DOE payouts and a solar powered revival?

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:18:12 -0400

Each week, we take a look at three topics affecting the drilling industry in some shape or form.

The science of creating stable boreholes, explained

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:43 -0400

Knowing the right way could mean the difference between a clear compact borehole wall and needing to rethink the whole process entirely.

Plugging your drill bits? Consider the following...

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:52:56 -0400

From tricone to PDCs, today's bits are impressive and powerful as they've ever been. But they’re only as effective as how they’re utilized.

A new direction for federal water policy?

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:41:27 -0400

With EPA reshaping its approach to water policies, environmental advocates question if the agency's ideas can offset larger infrastructure and consumption problems.

Pennsylvania is trying to solve its orphaned well problem. But it's still trying to figure out just how many there are.

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:44:37 -0400

The abandoned well crisis in the Keystone State continues to grow as cleanup efforts struggle to keep pace.

Three bits: Revamping preconstruction, geothermal’s revival of orphan wells, and more

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:08:57 -0400

Each week, The Driller looks at three newsworthy items affecting the work you do. Consider it your two-minute news update for the drilling community and the industry at-large.

Star Iron Works, Inc. Manufactures Fishing Tools including Spears and Overshots

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Star Iron Works, Inc manufactures a line of fishing tools to help with your drilling needs in an emergency or to stock on your shelf before an emergency occurs.

Houston-based Prime Horizontal announces buyout with a goal of expansion into more global markets

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:29:40 -0400

The company still prides itself on being the first HDD guidance firm to complete an intersect pilot hole and still holds records for drill depths with its system.

With the House passing Rep. Luna’s amendment to remove pesticide liability protections, here’s what that could mean for remediation efforts

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:30:43 -0400

Awaiting approval in the Senate, this amendment preserves the ability of states and individuals to hold manufacturers accountable and prevents federal overreach that would override stricter local protections.