House Concurrent Resolution No. 5 honors Don Sparks, cofounder and chair of the board of Discovery Operating, for receiving the prestigious 2025 Chief Roughneck Award from the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). This award, established in 1955, recognizes individuals whose achievements and character exemplify the highest ideals of the oil and natural gas industry. Mr. Sparks, a native of Pampa and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, has had a distinguished career in the petroleum sector, including serving in the U.S. Navy and holding various engineering and consulting roles before cofounding Discovery Operating in 1973. His company operates approximately 420 wells in Texas, producing significant amounts of oil and natural gas.

The resolution highlights Mr. Sparks' contributions to the industry, particularly in the development of the Wolfcamp and Spraberry shales, and his leadership roles in various professional organizations. He has received multiple accolades for his work, including the Leadership Award from IPAA and the Top Hand award from the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. The Texas Legislature expresses its congratulations to Mr. Sparks for this honor and extends best wishes for his future endeavors, with an official copy of the resolution to be prepared as a token of high regard from the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.