# Neuquén energy resource and investment disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/neuqun-energy-resource-and-investment-disputes
> Updated: 2026-08-31T12:59:52.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa has initiated efforts to address economic and fiscal challenges surrounding the Vaca Muerta energy formation. Initially, Figueroa called for a revision of federal tax-sharing laws and royalty distribution, arguing that the current system creates inequities where provinces not involved in extraction receive royalties. He also criticized high service costs from companies like Halliburton and requested national government support for the ‘zona fría’ regime to manage gas tariffs.

Following these fiscal demands, Figueroa transitioned to an international investment mission in the United States. Traveling to Washington, D.C., and Houston, the Governor sought to attract capital for infrastructure and the expansion of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports. During this mission, he engaged with U.S. officials and energy industry leaders, and signed a financing agreement in Houston for road infrastructure projects involving major operators such as YPF, Chevron, Shell, and Total Austral.

## Claims

- Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa is traveling to Washington and Houston to secure investments for Vaca Muerta. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Figueroa will meet with Argentine Ambassador Alejandro Oxenford in Washington. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Harold Hamm, founder and president of Continental Resources, is expected to attend an investor breakfast. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The governor will meet with Juan Pablo Segura, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The provincial strategy aims to advance toward large-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Meetings are scheduled with officials from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In Houston, Figueroa will sign a financing agreement for road works with major energy operators. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Participating energy companies include YPF, Chevron, Shell, and Total Austral, among others. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Neuquén Governor visits US to secure Vaca Muerta investments

Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa is visiting Washington and Houston to secure investments for Vaca Muerta and advance the province's large-scale LNG export strategy.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neuqun-governor-visits-us-to-secure-vaca-muerta-investments

### 2026-08-23: Neuquén Governor challenges Vaca Muerta royalty distribution

Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa is demanding a revision of royalty distributions from Vaca Muerta, citing unfair resource allocation and calling for protections for the Patagonian region.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/neuqun-governor-challenges-vaca-muerta-royalty-distribution

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Cite as: Neuquén energy resource and investment disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/neuqun-energy-resource-and-investment-disputes