Harold Hamm, founder and executive chairman of Continental Resources, was in Midland this week to talk about his company’s entrance into the Permian Basin after acquiring Delaware Basin assets from Pioneer Natural Resources and plans for those assets.
But as important to Hamm was discussing his new book, “Game Changer: Our 50-Year Mission to Secure America’s Energy Independence,” which was released the first of August.
“What made all this possible,” he said, referring to the shale revolution that has turned the US into the world’s largest oil and natural gas producer, was horizontal drilling. “In my opinion, no one has told that story and it had to be told. It’s an amazing story of what it took and what it means.”
The book talks about the blood, sweat and tears that went into helping triple US natural gas production, nearly tripling oil production and making the US the largest oil and natural gas producer in the world.
“It’s a holistic view of the shale revolution from its beginnings to where it is today and its impact, not only on the industry but the world,” said Hamm.
He added that he would like to see the book in the hands of students to show them “what we’re doing and how we got here.”
He acknowledged being a bit nervous as the book was released. “You never know what the readability will be, but there’s been a lot of interest. It’s been a best-seller so far,” he said.
Read More: Continental Resources’ Harold Hamm talks energy independence in book