Innovative and Sustainable Community Engagement
In addition to targeted, individual conversations with our stakeholders, Pioneer’s community engagement is manifested through:
Proactive development conversations with municipalities. When planning operations within or near residential or municipal areas, we proactively discuss future development needs, from both a company and community perspective, with appropriate community representatives and development authorities. Reciprocally, when municipal and residential development plans arise near existing Pioneer operations in the Permian Basin, we welcome the opportunity to be part of the planning process to ensure the continued safety of our community members and our current and future operations.
Employee service on executive boards of local organizations. From chambers of commerce to regional industry coalitions to nonprofit organizations, Pioneer employees at every level of the company serve our communities by volunteering their time and expertise as board members of local organizations. We are proud our people make an impact not only through their work with the company but through their servant leadership within their communities.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Developing energy resources vital to a flourishing modern society while prioritizing safety, operational and environmental excellence requires collaboration and partnership.
We believe our mission to provide affordable, reliable, low-emission and domestically sourced energy supports the socioeconomic development of the areas where we live and operate. Pioneer regularly and thoughtfully engages with land and royalty interest owners, lawmakers and regulators, industry coalitions, chambers of commerce and development groups, philanthropic foundations and organizations, and others to enhance safety, quality of life and social value in the communities where we operate. By understanding stakeholder values, priorities and concerns, we improve our social investments and operational plans.
Community Engagement
Pioneer’s multi-disciplinary team comprised of professionals in Government & Public Affairs, Land, Operations, Corporate Communications, Legal and other departments is responsive to community stakeholders and prepared to find solutions. We offer multiple options to contact us, including direct contact with our staff, toll-free phone lines, email and social media channels. Conversations with stakeholders provide opportunities to collaborate on sustainable solutions and allow us to identify social risks at the community level that could impact our business through operational delays or interruptions, unwieldy regulatory hurdles, increased operational costs, or reputational damage resulting in difficulties recruiting and retaining talent. Such social risks result from real or perceived operational impacts to the community:
- Safety
- Land use and reclamation
- Air and water environmental quality
- Housing and road infrastructure
- Healthcare and education accessibility
- Expectations for local employment opportunities and workforce development needs
Once stakeholder concerns, priorities and risks are assessed, we develop tailored, collaborative and sustainable solutions at all stages of our operations. Our stakeholders are as diverse as the communities they live in or the organizations they represent. We value the range of perspectives they provide, allowing us to develop innovative solutions and opportunities to create lasting value.
Volunteering with ROPE Youth here in Midland has opened my eyes to both the immense need for food security and strong mentors for our at-risk youth, as well as the amazing hearts of our volunteers and the resources that Pioneer and other sponsors – public and private – are willing to dedicate to strengthening our Midland community. I cannot thank Pioneer enough for encouraging employee community and nonprofit outreach work.
— Camille Killian, Senior Operations Support Superintendent
Landowner Engagement
As one of our key stakeholder groups, landowners are encouraged to engage in open dialog with Pioneer to foster a foundation for mutually beneficial, long-lasting relationships. Our Surface Land team typically begins the engagement process with landowners by proactively discussing what to expect once operations begin. The team builds trust and mutual respect by promptly sharing operational plans and project updates or changes, answering questions and addressing landowner concerns. In addition to face-to-face meetings, our landowners can contact us via phone, email and mail at any time, and all contact information is provided to each landowner before operations begin. Should a spill or release event occur, the Surface Landman is notified via an internal software system. Immediate contact with the landowner is made to address the issue and the resolution is tracked through the same system. Guided by our RESPECT values and commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship, we proactively address any concerns and set expectations with our landowners, finding equitable, mutually beneficial solutions, should issues arise.
In the fall of 2022, I was approached by an organization I long admired, Fix West Texas, to apply for a board member position. Both my wife and I have a deep love for animals and are passionate about creating affordable and accessible opportunities for quality animal services in our community. I am grateful and amazed that my employer was not only supportive of my involvement but encouraged it! When I think about community involvement, I think of the many organizations like Fix West Texas that make the Permian Basin one of the best places to live and work. Additionally, I am appreciative of Pioneer’s commitment to help foster and develop external relationships and get employees plugged in to what matters to us most.
—Dillion Tate, Permian Basin Maintenance Foreman II
Continuous Engagement
Leadership presentation of company plans and industry outlooks to community coalitions. When appropriate opportunities arise, Pioneer’s Executive Committee and company leaders hold local forums to communicate company and industry developments and projections. In early 2023, Pioneer President and Chief Operating Officer Rich Dealy sat down with Midland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bobby Burns for a Q&A session about significant oil and gas growth in the Permian Basin at Midland Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 State of Oil and Gas luncheon. Opening remarks were delivered by Congressman August Pfluger, who introduced Dealy as the keynote speaker. During the discussion, Dealy shared insight on factors aiding Pioneer’s ongoing growth as well as the broader industry’s and predictions for continued success. Both Dealy and Burns emphasized the importance of conveying information with the community to better shape its understanding of how this growth affects the Permian Basin.
Informative communications, forums and employee engagement on critical issues. Pioneer is committed to providing our employees with educational communication about civic and community engagement opportunities, including voter registration deadlines, early and general election information, and other critical local initiatives. Leading up to Election Day in October 2022, Pioneer hosted a successful Midland Mayoral Candidate Forum at our Permian headquarters attended by more than 80 Pioneer employees. Joey Hall, Pioneer’s Executive Vice President of Operations, moderated the forum for Midland mayoral candidates Lori Blong and Jerry Morales. Candidates discussed topics such as local school district needs, roads and industry-specific issues affecting Permian operations. Additionally, Pioneer offered on-site opportunities for employees to register to vote at our office locations, successfully registering dozens of Permian employees ahead of the general election.
Engagement with and support for local first responders and law enforcement agencies. Our prioritization of safety extends to partnering with the emergency responders who protect our communities. With more than half of all employees and their families living throughout the Permian Basin, Pioneer greatly values the service of the brave men and women who respond to emergencies at our locations, serve our employees and their families, and protect our communities every day. Pioneer is proud to have been the presenting sponsor of the Bustin’ for Badges fundraising clay shoot event since its establishment in 2014, joining our West Texas community to support the Midland and Odessa Police Departments and Midland and Ector County Sheriffs’ Offices. Over the past decade, the event has raised over $3.5 million in gross proceeds, allowing our local law enforcement agencies to purchase new equipment and technology to better serve and protect the Permian Basin community.