Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Significant Accounting Policies
2. Significant Accounting Policies	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (a) Principles of consolidation The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates the financial statements of these entities. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. (b) Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements Preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Depletion of oil and natural gas properties is determined using estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in the estimation of quantities of proved reserves and in the projection of future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. Similarly, evaluations for impairment of proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties are subject to numerous uncertainties including, among others, estimates of future recoverable reserves, commodity price outlooks and prevailing market rates of other sources of income and costs. Other significant estimates include, but are not limited to, asset retirement obligations, goodwill, fair value of stock-based compensation, fair value of business combinations, fair value of nonmonetary transactions, fair value of derivative financial instruments and income taxes. (c) Accounts receivable The Company sells oil and natural gas to various customers. The receivables related to these operations are generally unsecured. Receivables are considered past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after all collection attempts have been exhausted. The Company did not have an allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019. (d) Oil and natural gas properties The Company uses the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and gas activities. Costs incurred are deferred until exploration and completion results are evaluated. At such time, costs of activities with economically recoverable reserves are capitalized as proven properties, and costs of unsuccessful or uneconomical activities are expensed. Capitalized drilling costs are reviewed periodically for impairment. Costs related to impaired prospects or unsuccessful exploratory drilling is charged to expense. Management's assessment of the results of exploration activities, commodity price outlooks, planned future sales or expiration of all or a portion of such leaseholds impact the amount and timing of impairment provisions. An impairment expense could result if oil and gas prices decline in the future as it may not be economical to develop some of these unproved properties. Lease options are capitalized as unproved property acquisition costs and are reviewed for impairment if indicators exist that the carrying value of the lease option may not be recoverable. If the lease options become impaired, expire or are abandoned, the options will be expensed. If proved reserves are discovered after the options are exercised, these costs will be reclassified as proved property. Depreciation, depletion and amortization of producing properties is computed on the units-of-production method on a property by property basis. The units-of-production method is based primarily on estimates of proved reserve quantities. Due to uncertainties inherent in this estimation process, it is at least reasonably possible that reserve quantities will be revised in the near term. Changes in estimated reserve quantities are applied to depreciation, depletion and amortization computations prospectively. Other property and equipment is depreciated on the straight-line method. (e) Derivative instruments The Company enters into swap agreements to manage its exposure to oil and natural gas price fluctuations. The fair value of derivative contracts are recognized as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet. Realized gain or loss is recognized as a component of revenue when the swap contracts mature. For contracts which have not matured, an unrealized gain or loss is recorded based on the value of the outstanding contracts. (f) Asset retirement obligations The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related oil and natural gas property asset. Subsequently, the asset retirement cost included in the carrying amount of the related asset is allocated to expense through depletion of the asset. Changes in the liability due to passage of time are recognized as an increase in the carrying amount of the liability through accretion expense. Based on certain factors, including commodity prices and costs, the Company may revise its previous estimates of the liability, which would also increase or decrease the related oil and natural gas property asset. (g) Revenue recognition The Company enters into contracts with customers to sell its oil and natural gas production. Revenue on these contracts is recognized in accordance with the five-step revenue recognition model prescribed in ASC 606. Specifically, revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligations under these contracts are satisfied, which generally occurs with the transfer of control of the oil and natural gas to the purchaser. Control is generally considered transferred when the following criteria are met: (i) transfer of physical custody, (ii) transfer of title, (iii) transfer of risk of loss and (iv) relinquishment of any repurchase rights or other similar rights. Given the nature of the products sold, revenue is recognized at a point in time based on the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in accordance with the price specified in the contract. Consideration under the oil and natural gas marketing contracts is typically received from the purchaser one to two months after production. The Company’s oil and natural gas marketing contracts transfer physical custody and title at or near the wellhead, which is generally when control of the oil has been transferred to the purchaser. The Company follows the sales method of accounting for natural gas sales, recognizing revenue based on the Company’s actual proceeds from the natural gas sold to purchasers on an accrual basis. Revenues are reported net to working interest and after royalty amounts due. (h) Per share amounts: The Company calculates and discloses basic earnings per share ("Basic EPS") and diluted earnings per share ("Diluted EPS"). The computation of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period. Diluted Earnings per Share ("EPS") gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume conversion, exercise or contingent exercise of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on losses. As a result, if there is a loss from continuing operations, Diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as Basic EPS. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 37,928,245 and 18,345,834 options and warrants outstanding, respectively, that were not included in the calculation of earnings per share for the periods then ended. Such financial instruments may become dilutive and would then need to be included in future calculations of Diluted EPS. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding options were considered anti-dilutive since the strike prices were above the market price and since the Company has incurred losses year to date. (i) Income taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to the taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established if management determines it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. (j) Financial instruments: The carrying value of current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments. Management's estimates, including reserves and asset retirement obligations, are based on an assessment of qualitative factors that are considered Level 3 measurements in the fair value valuation hierarchy required by FASB ASC 820. (k) Stock option plan: The Company expenses options granted over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value of the award. (l) Recently issued accounting pronouncements: FASB periodically issues new accounting standards in a continuing effort to improve standards of financial accounting and reporting. The Company has reviewed the recently issued pronouncements and concluded that the following new accounting standards are applicable: In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements,” (“ASU 2018-09”) which makes amendments to multiple codification topics to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the accounting standards codification. The effective date of the standard is dependent on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some amendments do not require transition guidance and will be effective upon the issuance of this standard. Many of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 was effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. It did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(a) Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates the financial statements of these entities. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

(b) Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Depletion of oil and natural gas properties is determined using estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in the estimation of quantities of proved reserves and in the projection of future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. Similarly, evaluations for impairment of proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties are subject to numerous uncertainties including, among others, estimates of future recoverable reserves, commodity price outlooks and prevailing market rates of other sources of income and costs. Other significant estimates include, but are not limited to, asset retirement obligations, goodwill, fair value of stock-based compensation, fair value of business combinations, fair value of nonmonetary transactions, fair value of derivative financial instruments and income taxes.

The Company sells oil and natural gas to various customers. The receivables related to these operations are generally unsecured. Receivables are considered past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after all collection attempts have been exhausted. The Company did not have an allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2020 or 2019.

(d) Oil and natural gas properties

The Company uses the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and gas activities. Costs incurred are deferred until exploration and completion results are evaluated. At such time, costs of activities with economically recoverable reserves are capitalized as proven properties, and costs of unsuccessful or uneconomical activities are expensed.

Capitalized drilling costs are reviewed periodically for impairment. Costs related to impaired prospects or unsuccessful exploratory drilling is charged to expense. Management's assessment of the results of exploration activities, commodity price outlooks, planned future sales or expiration of all or a portion of such leaseholds impact the amount and timing of impairment provisions. An impairment expense could result if oil and gas prices decline in the future as it may not be economical to develop some of these unproved properties.

Lease options are capitalized as unproved property acquisition costs and are reviewed for impairment if indicators exist that the carrying value of the lease option may not be recoverable. If the lease options become impaired, expire or are abandoned, the options will be expensed. If proved reserves are discovered after the options are exercised, these costs will be reclassified as proved property.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization of producing properties is computed on the units-of-production method on a property by property basis. The units-of-production method is based primarily on estimates of proved reserve quantities. Due to uncertainties inherent in this estimation process, it is at least reasonably possible that reserve quantities will be revised in the near term. Changes in estimated reserve quantities are applied to depreciation, depletion and amortization computations prospectively.

Other property and equipment is depreciated on the straight-line method.

(e) Derivative instruments

The Company enters into swap agreements to manage its exposure to oil and natural gas price fluctuations. The fair value of derivative contracts are recognized as an asset or liability on the Company’s balance sheet. Realized gain or loss is recognized as a component of revenue when the swap contracts mature. For contracts which have not matured, an unrealized gain or loss is recorded based on the value of the outstanding contracts.

(f) Asset retirement obligations

The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related oil and natural gas property asset. Subsequently, the asset retirement cost included in the carrying amount of the related asset is allocated to expense through depletion of the asset. Changes in the liability due to passage of time are recognized as an increase in the carrying amount of the liability through accretion expense. Based on certain factors, including commodity prices and costs, the Company may revise its previous estimates of the liability, which would also increase or decrease the related oil and natural gas property asset.

(g) Revenue recognition

The Company enters into contracts with customers to sell its oil and natural gas production. Revenue on these contracts is recognized in accordance with the five-step revenue recognition model prescribed in ASC 606. Specifically, revenue is recognized when the Company’s performance obligations under these contracts are satisfied, which generally occurs with the transfer of control of the oil and natural gas to the purchaser. Control is generally considered transferred when the following criteria are met: (i) transfer of physical custody, (ii) transfer of title, (iii) transfer of risk of loss and (iv) relinquishment of any repurchase rights or other similar rights. Given the nature of the products sold, revenue is recognized at a point in time based on the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in accordance with the price specified in the contract. Consideration under the oil and natural gas marketing contracts is typically received from the purchaser one to two months after production. The Company’s oil and natural gas marketing contracts transfer physical custody and title at or near the wellhead, which is generally when control of the oil has been transferred to the purchaser.

The Company follows the sales method of accounting for natural gas sales, recognizing revenue based on the Company’s actual proceeds from the natural gas sold to purchasers on an accrual basis.

Revenues are reported net to working interest and after royalty amounts due.

(h) Per share amounts:

The Company calculates and discloses basic earnings per share ("Basic EPS") and diluted earnings per share ("Diluted EPS"). The computation of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period.

Diluted Earnings per Share ("EPS") gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume conversion, exercise or contingent exercise of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on losses. As a result, if there is a loss from continuing operations, Diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as Basic EPS. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 37,928,245 and 18,345,834 options and warrants outstanding, respectively, that were not included in the calculation of earnings per share for the periods then ended. Such financial instruments may become dilutive and would then need to be included in future calculations of Diluted EPS. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding options were considered anti-dilutive since the strike prices were above the market price and since the Company has incurred losses year to date.

(i) Income taxes:

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to the taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is established if management determines it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

(j) Financial instruments:

The carrying value of current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair value due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments. Management's estimates, including reserves and asset retirement obligations, are based on an assessment of qualitative factors that are considered Level 3 measurements in the fair value valuation hierarchy required by FASB ASC 820.

(k) Stock option plan:

The Company expenses options granted over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value of the award.

(l) Recently issued accounting pronouncements:

FASB periodically issues new accounting standards in a continuing effort to improve standards of financial accounting and reporting. The Company has reviewed the recently issued pronouncements and concluded that the following new accounting standards are applicable:

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements,” (“ASU 2018-09”) which makes amendments to multiple codification topics to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the accounting standards codification. The effective date of the standard is dependent on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some amendments do not require transition guidance and will be effective upon the issuance of this standard. Many of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 was effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. It did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.