The 'trust relationship' Judge Lincoln established with members of the natural gas industry extended beyond the realm of water and related concerns. Judge Lincoln worked diligently to build a working relationship with every company working in White County. He is pleased to say, "I can call someone on my cell, and they will answer, 'Hello, Judge.' They know it's me calling them. That's important to me."

        The strength of Judge Lincoln's working relationships with the industry has been proven in numerous instances. For example, he once hosted a visitor from up north who had concerns about the industry and wanted to see a drill site with his own eyes. Judge Lincoln was able to make three phone calls and, within minutes, had received directions to active drill sites for three different companies and open invitations to visit the sites. In another instance, a woman whose road had recently been affected by activity in her area called on a Saturday afternoon to say she was concerned she wouldn't be able to get to church in the morning. Judge Lincoln was able to call someone with the company working in the woman's area, and even though it was a Saturday afternoon, there was a crew repairing her road within an hour. The woman called to thank Judge Lincoln, who chalks the results up to the time spent cultivating these working relationships. "They don't happen overnight," he says.

        And Judge Lincoln isn't the only county judge in Arkansas who has worked to develop a strong relationship with the industry. The 'Fayetteville Shale Mafia,' as Judge Lincoln has jokingly dubbed the group, includes Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart, Cleburne County Judge Claude Dill (now retired), Faulkner County Judge Preston Scroggin, Van Buren County Judge Bogie (also retired) and Judge Lincoln himself. This group has actively sought to build strong relationships between their local communities, the 75-member Arkansas County Judges Association, and the natural gas industry. The 'Mafia' has addressed environmental issues and legislative issues, including a much-debated severance tax.

        Although the industry's activity in Arkansas has slowed down a bit from its initial pace, Judge Lincoln hopes for the sake of our country that we look to natural gas drilling as a matter of natural security. He feels that natural gas presents a viable, sustainable departure from foreign energy dependence, not to mention a source of jobs desperately needed during our current economic state. If we are able to find a balance, Judge Lincoln predicts that natural gas will set Arkansas apart as a national leader in offering this resource. He has encouraged state and national politicians to offer incentives and establish opportunities for companies and agencies to develop compressed natural gas infrastructure, and he says he will continue to push for this switch. Judge Lincoln's hard work, dedication and perseverance will no doubt benefit the people of Arkansas, and ultimately, the United States of America.

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        An additional benefit felt by Arkansas residents and businesses alike is a tremendous savings in utility costs experienced during the past few years. Studies show that in 2010, Arkansans saved over $600M in utility bills thanks to the low cost of natural gas, which was the lowest seen in decades, and electricity made cheaper by utilizing natural gas in its production. Then in 2011, a similar savings of about $505M was experienced. This means that over $1B in utility savings has been enjoyed by the people of Arkansas over the past 2 years because of natural gas. Breaking it down, in 2011, the average savings for a homeowner in Arkansas was $125 for the year.

        There are two state agencies in Arkansas with regulatory and enforcement authority over oil and natural gas production. Regulations put into place by these entities have the same effect on members of the industry as statutory law. "They're the law of the land," says Robbins. The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (AOGC), is responsible for regulating what's on pad sites and directly beneath the ground at those locations. Regulatory changes have responded to growth in this industry. AOGC Director Larry Bingle has held his position throughout the development of the Fayetteville Shale. The AOGC has established 107 new regulations and changes to existing regulations to respond to the need for ongoing oversight and governance of the industry. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), is responsible for regulating everything off of a well site, including air quality, water leaving the pads, runoff, and other environmental concerns.

        Just like most Arkansans, Robbins admits that he did not have a background in oil and natural gas production, but he has been an eager student and is well equipped to lead AIPRO. He understands the concerns of some individuals related to the environment and the 'unknowns' of the production process. "Residents should certainly trust the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission because they have done a wonderful job in making needed regulatory changes. They have led the country in creating disclosure requirements for fluids used in hydraulic fracturing that other states are now considering as well. The AOGC's commissioners are appointed by the governor, and they take their role and their responsibilities seriously, as they should. Arkansans should sleep better at night knowing these folks are doing their jobs."

        Even states with a longer history of oil and natural gas production than Arkansas does, such as Texas and Louisiana, look to our disclosure regulations as a model. Robbins goes on to say, "We did have growing pains, and I think AOGC and ADEQ responded to those growing pains to make sure that development occurs responsibly and safely. These industries are not fly-by-night folks. One company in particular has invested $8B since 2005 here in Arkansas. They don't come here and do that, then tarnish their own name so that they can't continue to operate here, to invest money here, and to try to get a return on that $8B investment."

        Recently, AIPRO collaborated with America's Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA), the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Chamber of Commerce to create a resource book to help inform those who would like to learn more about the oil and natural gas industry in Arkansas. The reference book discusses who regulates the industry, provides updated statistics, and displays renderings which illustrate the construction of a well and other aspects of oil and gas production. This information has been available previously, but the guide brings it all together for the first time in one comprehensive resource that Robbins hopes new legislators in particular will find useful.

        Speaking of legislators, Robbins is present at the Capitol every day during legislative sessions to represent AIPRO, to answer any questions, and to serve as a watchdog for AIPRO's members. Robbins cautions, "If a state goes too far, you're going to run an industry to a place that has a more business-friendly climate. We want our members to continue to be here, to continue to produce, and to continue to send that 'mailbox money' to Arkansans to help with their retirement and with the college education of their kids, and to help keep people employed."