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Empire Petroleum has secured a unanimous ruling from the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission, confirming its exclusive rights to produce from the Residual Oil Zone under a 1984 Commission Order. The Commission denied five injection well applications and suspended operations on four existing wells submitted by Goodnight Midstream Permian. Empire plans to proceed with motions to revoke permits for third-party saltwater disposal operators and pursue litigation for trespass and damages. This victory reinforces Empire's operational strategy and enables the company to implement a CO2 enhanced oil recovery pilot project over the next three years.

Empire Petroleum (NYSE American: EP) has secured a significant regulatory victory with a unanimous decision from the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission (NMOCD). The ruling, handed down on August 14, 2025, confirms the company's exclusive rights to produce from the Residual Oil Zone (ROZ) in the Eunice Monument South Unit (EMSU) in Lea County, New Mexico [1].

The NMOCD's decision, which was unanimous, affirms Empire's right to produce from the ROZ in the Grayburg and San Andres formations under a 1984 Commission Order. This ruling also allows Empire to implement a CO₂ enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilot project over the next three years. The Commission's decision is a substantial win for Empire, reinforcing the company's operational strategy and enabling it to advance its plans for sustainable production [1].

In addition to confirming Empire's rights, the NMOCD denied five new injection well applications and suspended operations on four existing wells submitted by Goodnight Midstream Permian, LLC. The Commission also denied an application for increased injection from Goodnight. Following this decision, Empire plans to proceed with motions to revoke existing permits granted to third-party saltwater disposal operators and pursue litigation for trespass and damages [1].

Empire Petroleum's Chairman of the Board, Phil Mulacek, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, "We are extremely pleased with this unanimous decision, which marks a significant regulatory win for Empire and reinforces our position in New Mexico. It paves the way for us to move forward with CO₂ development to unlock the capacity for sustained production in the ROZ and upper zones, while also safeguarding our assets from activities that threaten their value" [1].

Mike Morrisett, President and CEO, added, "This outcome reflects years of dedicated work by our employees, legal team, and consultants, and I want to thank them for their tireless efforts in protecting and advancing our New Mexico position. We also want to thank the NMOCD for its thorough review of the facts and its unanimous decision. We take seriously our fiduciary responsibility to our shareholders and remain committed to realizing the long-term value we see in the EMSU assets" [1].

The full text of the Commission's decision will be available on the NMOCD website in the coming days. Empire Petroleum currently has producing assets in New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, Texas, and Louisiana [3].

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/empire-petroleum-secures-unanimous-victory-to-advance-coa-development-and-protect-emsu-assets-ce7c51dedc89f022
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/empire-petroleum-wins-regulatory-battle-over-new-mexico-oil-rights-93CH-4195162
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/empire-petroleum-wins-regulatory-case-on-new-mexico-residual-oil-zone-ce7c51dedc81f027