Whitley Penn Talks
Whitley Penn Talks: The Billion Dollar Resource Hiding Under Texas
Apr 30, 2026
Whitley Penn
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In this episode of Whitley Penn Talks, host Kendall Neukomm sits down with Buffie Campbell and Jim Bradbury, Partner at James D. Bradbury, PLLC to explore the rapid rise of produced water as a new asset class in Texas. What was once viewed as a waste byproduct of oil and gas operations is now gaining attention from landowners, investors, and policymakers. The conversation breaks down how legal rulings, water scarcity, and advancing technology are reshaping ownership, value, and opportunity around produced water. Together, they explain why this topic now extends far beyond the oil and gas industry. The episode offers an overview of where the market stands today and where it may be headed next.
Key Takeaways
- How produced water has evolved from a disposal cost into a valuable commodity
- What the Texas Supreme Court ruling clarified about ownership and lease language
- Why agriculture, municipalities, and data centers are eyeing produced water as a resource
- How private equity and new technology are accelerating growth in this space
Why Listen?
This episode is for landowners, mineral owners, investors, and advisors looking to understand a fast-emerging opportunity in Texas. Listeners will gain clarity on recent legal changes, practical implications for leases, and why produced water is attracting significant capital. The discussion makes a complex topic accessible while highlighting real financial and strategic considerations. It is a forward-looking conversation that helps listeners think differently about resources and value.
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