Permian Basin History & Environment

The Permian was a geologic period that spanned 47 million years, and ended 251 million years ago with the the largest mass extinction in Earth's history. Nearly 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species died out, and it is known as the only mass extinction of insects. It would take 30 million years for life to recover from this catastrophe.

The Permian Basin is found in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, and is one of the world’s thickest deposits of rock. It also recently became the highest producing oil field on the planet.

The largest land owner in the area is Chevron, and according to a recent study, the highest emissions of methane ever measured from a major U.S. oil and gas basin were discovered in the area. There’s so much methane escaping from Permian oil and gas operations that it nearly triples the 20-year climate impact of burning the gas that is being produced. And evironmental regulations are slipping away.

With a deep love and respect for the Permian Basin, and its incredible people past, present and future, Kim and Lisa started PERMIAN to help design a healthy and thriving space for us all.