In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, Stu Turley is joined by co-host Kimberly Page and Kirk Edwards, President of Latigo Petroleum, to discuss the evolving energy landscape in the Permian Basin. They cover the shift toward natural gas, AI-driven data center demand, LNG exports, pipeline development, and the impact of U.S. strategic reserves and global geopolitics on oil and gas prices. The conversation highlights opportunities for natural gas producers, challenges in oil markets, and the critical role of reliable energy infrastructure, including small modular reactors and backup turbines for data centers.Connect with Kirk Edwards on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-edwards-99757412a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-edwards-99757412a/)Connect with Kimberly Page here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-page/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-page/)Check out Reese Energy Consulting here: https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/ (https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/)Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 – Intro: Stu, Kimberly & Kirk kick off the show 00:25 – Message to Washington: “Get out of the way” 01:22 – Permian layoffs & drilling slowdown 02:45 – AI boom & natural gas demand 04:02 – Permian gas pricing & flaring issues 04:45 – SPR depletion & U.S. energy security 06:18 – OPEC+, tariffs & global oil volatility 08:41 – California’s oil hypocrisy & imports 10:32 – Oil price outlook & Saudi control 11:22 – Rising gas demand & LNG export growth 12:13 – Data centers, turbine shortages & power needs 13:54 – Nuclear energy potential & SMR progress 15:15 – Natural gas optimism & Anadarko revival 16:43 – Rig count drop & workforce impact 17:39 – Closing thoughts: “Drill baby drill”Full Transcript: https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/ (https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/)or https://energynewsbeat.co/ (https://energynewsbeat.co/)https://energynewsbeat.co/investinoil/ (https://energynewsbeat.co/investinoil/)