Melvin Moran is quick to point out the person who means the most to him. When Moran, who became the newest inductee into the OIPA’s Wildcatter Hall of Honor during the association’s 2010 Fall Conference, discusses his work in the oil and natural gas industry, his community leadership or just life in general, conversation always returns to his wife, Jasmine. Full Story >>

Gubernatorial candidates Jari Askins and Mary Fallin are vying to make history, with both Democrat and Republican hoping to become the state’s first woman governor. To get them to that position, they’re banking on their own histories, and both candidates took time at the OIPA’s Fall conference to explain their roots in the oil and gas industry and how their experience as public servants will benefit the state. Full Story >>

Hydraulic fracturing is the key to the oil and natural gas industry’s future, but the future of hydraulic fracturing is still undecided. That’s what OIPA Fall Conference attendees heard from general session speakers Richard Spears and David G. Jewett, the managing director for Spears & Associates and acting director of EPA’s Groundwater and Ecosystems Restoration Division, respectively. Full Story >>

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Science Advisory Board (SAB) is currently reviewing a “short list” of candidates for the ad hoc panel that will review and provide input into EPA’s hydraulic fracturing study. Full Story >>

The State Review of Oil and Natural Gas Environmental Regulations, known as STRONGER, is assembling a team to conduct a focused review of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s oil and natural gas hydraulic fracturing regulations on October 19. 
Full Story >>

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) submitted a petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting it reconsider its 1988 Regulatory Determination and regulate oil and natural gas exploration and production (E&P) wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). 
Full Story >>

The EPA finalized a rule that addresses emissions from existing stationary spark ignition (SI) engines less than or equal to 500 horsepower (HP) located at major sources and all existing stationary SI engines located at area sources. 
Full Story >>

Tim Baker is head of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s pollution abatement in the oil and gas division. This month, he answers our 20 Questions. Full Story >>

The OIPA has completed the most thorough membership survey in the history of the association, and OIPA President Mike Terry said the survey’s findings will be used to better serve OIPA members. Full Story >>

The OIPA’s Annual Meeting will continue to be held outside of the Sooner State. Full Story >>

In June, Michael Penner became a member of the OIPA board of directors. The next month, his company, QEP Resources completed its spin-off from Questar Corporation. This month, he answers our 20 Questions. Full Story >>

The debate over the nation’s energy policy has re-energized public education efforts from national oil and gas trade associations as they combat the Obama administration’s proposed elimination of  tax incentives for oil and gas companies, including a tax deduction given to manufacturers, deductions for intangible drilling costs and credits given for low-volume oil and gas wells. Full Story >>

Through voluntary contributions from oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners, the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board has developed a new public outreach campaign emphasizing the industry’s impact on both the state and the nation. Full Story >>

This past June, I had the privilege of speaking on the upcoming general elections at the OIPA’s Annual Meeting. The following represents a summary of the observations made to the membership, updated to reflect changes in the political landscape over the summer. The general evaluation made in June still holds: Democrats should duck. Full Story >>

The OIPA has given $25,000 to the One Oklahoma Coalition to support the group’s efforts to defeat State Question 744. Full Story >>

Matt Thompson, vice president of governmental affairs for the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, has accepted a position on the governmental affairs team for Houston-based Apache Corp. Full Story >>

Any industry that impacts the environment should be held accountable for how it protects our natural inheritance and in particular groundwater, our most precious natural resource. Full Story >>

One way to fix the direction Washington is going is to fire the conductors – Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Full Story >>

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a one-year extension to the compliance date for certain facilities subject to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. 
Full Story >>

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is considering listing two species found in Oklahoma under the Endangered Species Act.  The first species is a bird - the Mountain Plover, and the second species is a tree – the Ozark Chinquapin. 
Full Story >>

The Osage Nation plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court its lawsuit that seeks to exempt tribal members who live and work in Osage County from state income taxes. Full Story >>

McDougall, an OIPA board member and vice president of Oklahoma City’s JMA Energy Company, was part of a standing room-only crowd that filled Tulsa’s Circle Cinema for a special screening of “Gasland,” Fox’s documentary that focuses on shale gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Full Story >>

Scott Pruitt, the Republican nominee to replace Drew Edmondson as the state’s attorney general, is a former state senator and is co-owner and managing general partner of the Oklahoma City Redhawks triple-A baseball team in Oklahoma City. This month, he answers our 20 Questions. Full Story >>

The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board has elected David House as its new chairman. Full Story >>

Once you hit the milestone of 10,000 abandoned well sites restored, what’s the next step? Full Story >>

Congresswoman Mary Fallin, a state gubernatorial candidate, got an up-close look at energy production during a campaign stop in Woodward. Full Story >>

The federal government stepped up efforts in July to roll back the U.S. oil and natural gas industry on several fronts. Full Story >>

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding public meetings to explain its proposed plan to study the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water, and to receive public comments on its preliminary study plan from all interested stakeholders. The study is a result of language inserted into the fiscal year 2010 Appropriations Act. Full Story >>

Linda Whittington, the head of the OIPA’s Tax Committee,  runs Corner Energy in Oklahoma City when she’s not volunteering her time for the Red Lands Council of Girl Scouts, Arts Council of Oklahoma City, Desk and Derrick or the OIPA. This month, she answers our 20 Questions. Full Story >>

Mark your calendars. The Wildcatters Weekly luncheons will resume Oct. 6 at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. Full Story >>

$50 million. That’s the amount of money JMA Energy Corp. general counsel Robert McCutcheon saved Oklahoma oil producers in the wake of the SemGroup bankruptcy, and it’s one of the reasons McCutcheon was named the association’s Member of the Year at the 21010 Annual Meeting. Full Story >>

Basic Energy Services, an oil and natural gas well servicing contractor, received the 2010 Partner Award from the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association. Full Story >>

State Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City, was named the 2010 Legislator of the Year by the OIPA. Full Story >>

The continued success of the OIPA’s Oilfield Services Fundraising Auction will pay dividends for the OIPA’s political and advocacy efforts. Full Story >>

OIPA board of directors member W. Bland Williamson became a Lifetime Director of the association and seven new members were named to the board during the OIPA’s Annual Meeting. Full Story >>

State and national politics were in the spotlight at the OIPA Annual Meeting, with general session speakers focused on the future of Oklahoma’s elected officials. Full Story >>

The oil and natural gas industry will remain a focus of the EPA as the federal agency moves forward with regulating greenhouse gases. Full Story >>

While Annual Meeting attendees enjoyed the entertainment of the Chairman’s Banquet, OIPA board member Kim Hatfield was under the bright lights of a Dallas television studio. Full Story >>

Budget issues took center stage at the state capitol during the 2010 legislative session, with lawmakers and state agencies desperately fighting for a piece of a $6.7 billion budget that was $1 billion less than the year before. Full Story >>

State Rep. John Trebilcock was the House author of the Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas Lien Act. This month, he answers our 20 Questions. Full Story >>

The spill has presented a defining moment for President Obama, the domestic oil and gas industry, and perhaps long-term U.S. energy policy. Full Story >>

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 Administrator, Dr. Al Armendariz, invited a number of oil and gas trade associations, company representatives, and state environmental/natural resource/oil and gas regulatory agencies to Dallas on May 10 to discuss oil and gas air emissions and their role in the new 8-hour ozone standard that EPA plans to make more stringent. 
Full Story >>

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit delivered a significant decision in early March by affirming the decision of the U.S. District Court on a number of issues, one being that the Osage Tribe’s reservation was disestablished.  The Tribe appealed this decision and requested a rehearing en banc of the Tenth Circuit Court. 
Full Story >>

The OIPA submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed rule requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from onshore petroleum and natural gas production, including enhance recovery (ER) projects using carbon dioxide (CO2). Full Story >>

Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chairman Bob Anthony is stressing to regulators in other states that the push by some groups to have the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or another federal entity regulate hydraulic fracturing ignores the fact that local geology and the surrounding geography of natural gas shale formations are unique to the area and require knowledge of both the surface and underground characteristics to ensure safe oil and gas drilling and production. Full Story >>

Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the OIPA has been this state’s strongest proponent of the oil and natural gas industry. And through our Wildcatters Club we have forged a partnership with our legislators to ensure the welfare of this state and independent oil and gas operators are protected. Full Story >>

OIPA supporters from the energy service and supply sector will join forces once again to donate a variety of oilfield equipment, services and products to be sold at the June 5 Oilfield Services Fundraising Auction. Full Story >>

OIPA held a series of workshops across Oklahoma during the week of April 26 to train operators on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) amendments to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. Full Story >>

The full impact of the April 20 BP blowout and resulting oil spill is still unknown, but it will be costly in many ways. Full Story >>

In the waning weeks of the 2010 legislative session, the OIPA’s agenda continues to advance, highlighted by Gov. Brad Henry’s signing of the Oil and Natural Gas Owners’ Lien Act. Full Story >>

During a year of record workshop attendance, the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board hits another milestone in its education efforts – training its 10,000th Oklahoma teacher in OERB curricula! Full Story >>

Mike Stovall is a member of the OIPA board of directors and chairman of the association’s Safety Committee. He’s also one of 15 men to ever receive the Golden Rod Award, a recognition of lifetime achievement awarded by the Association of Energy Service Companies. This month he answers our 20 Questions. Full Story >>

Forty years ago this month, while Al Gore Jr. was in Army training at Fort Rucker, Ala., his father’s colleague, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-Wis.) launched a national environmental teach-in movement called Earth Day. Full Story >>

OIPA Chairman Mike McDonald responded to President Obama’s announcement of increased offshore drilling in a release issued to statewide media. Full Story >>

OIPA submitted comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) proposed ground-level ozone standard that may impact a variety of emission sources in the future, including oil and gas operations. 
Full Story >>

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to include the oil and natural gas production sector in its national mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting rule. 
Full Story >>

The Apache Tribe has filed a petition in U.S. District court against the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s members (defendants) seeking a declaratory judgment to have the Court judicially recognize and declare the existence of their federally reserved right to the surface and groundwater located within the boundaries of its former federal reservation. 
Full Story >>

The use of flame-resistant clothing (FRC) is now required in the oilfield following a March 19 directive from OSHA. Full Story >>

Advancements in horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing have unlocked new American resources in shale plays across the country. And as the oilfield inches closer to urban populations, the fervor over the use of hydraulic fracturing has reached a fever pitch. Full Story >>

Legislation to increase the statutory spacing limits on horizontally drilled wells to 1,280-acres is being drafted. Full Story >>

The Oil and Natural Gas Owners’ Lien Act is on its way to the governor’s desk. Full Story >>

Both House and Senate versions of legislation extending the gross production tax for at-risk wells continue to progress. However, renewed attention on all tax incentives in light of an expected $1 billion budget shortfall for the 2011 fiscal year has put a spotlight on all oil and natural gas tax incentives. Full Story >>

During its most recent rulemaking procedure, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission proposed approximately $2.7 million in new fees on oil and natural gas operators. Full Story >>

Shawnee Republican Kris Steele was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2000 and was recently elected as the Speaker-designate by the House’s Republican caucus. This month, he answers our 20 Questions. Full Story >>

The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board has announced the reappointment of Mike Cantrell and Rob Johnston to its board of directors. Cantrell first served on the board from 1992 to 2003 and is a former chairman. Johnston previously served on the board from 2003 to 2006. Full Story >>

Facing a budget reduction of historic proportions, Oklahoma’s lawmakers are faced with difficult financial decisions. For two of the state’s 149 legislators, the budget concerns are nothing new. Full Story >>

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) is proposing a number of technical and administrative changes to its rules.  The following information highlights changes to the Oil and Gas Conservation rules in Chapter 10 and the Rules of Practice in Chapter 5. 
Full Story >>

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published and requested comments on its preliminary 2010 Effluent Guidelines Program Plan. Full Story >>

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit delivered a significant decision in early March by affirming the decision of the U.S. District Court on a number of issues, one being that the Osage reservation was disestablished. 
Full Story >>

OIPA leaders joined dozens of independent producers from across the nation in early March for a series of Capitol Hill meetings and events to remind Congress that the crude oil and natural gas industry will create good paying U.S. jobs and fuel America’s economic recovery. Full Story >>

Rob Johnston, Apache Corporation’s central region vice president, has been named to the OIPA’s board of directors. Full Story >>

A Democrat-controlled Congress with dreams of penalizing petroleum producers means increased political action is needed from independent producers, says former OIPA President Mike Cantrell, who served as the featured speaker at this month’s Wildcatter Wednesday luncheon. Full Story >>

The OIPA continues its efforts to protect producers from future purchaser bankruptcies, forging a partnership with Euler Hermes and IMA to provide credit insurance to association members. Full Story >>

Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge’s plan to ease the impact of volatile energy prices on state oil and natural gas taxes and stabilize the state budgeting process was overwhelmingly approved by the Oklahoma House. Full Story >>

With legislative deadlines approaching, the OIPA continues to move forward with its bill to protect producers from future purchaser bankruptcies. Full Story >>

Legislation seeking to boost Oklahoma’s alternative energy usage, especially locally-produced natural gas and wind, was overwhelmingly approved in  the state House of Representatives. Full Story >>

Les Wald is chairman of the OIPA’s newly-formed Oilfield Services Committee and is an integral part of the Oilfield Services Fundraising Auction, the Annual Meeting event that is the association’s single largest fundraising venture. This month, he answers our “20 Questions.” Full Story >>

The University of Oklahoma has added the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board to its exclusive Seed Sower Society. Full Story >>

The Oklahoma legislature is back to work, and elected officials have one thing on their mind. The budget. Full Story >>

Not in my backyard! A common phrase heard at town hall meetings or council hearings when a neighborhood is upset about the goings on about town. And, 12 years ago, a man named Jim Harris had a similar feeling. Only, he considers his backyard to be the vast shorelines of Oologah Lake. Full Story >>

Natural gas is the Butch Cassidy to crude oil’s Sundance Kid. In the final moments of the 1969 film bearing the anti-heroes’ names, the titular characters emerge from hiding to face a hail of gunfire from the Bolivian cavalry. It’s a moment of cinema history frozen in sepia hues, and it is now being re-enacted in political policy aimed at the nation’s energy industry. Full Story >>

As part of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Clark Jolley will have a front-row seat as the state grapples with a $1 billion  budget reduction. An attorney by profession and an active leader in Edmond, Jolley was elected to the Senate in 2004. He currently serves as the Assistant Majority Floor Leader, and this month, he answers our 20 Questions. Full Story >>

Vian city leaders have passed stringent ordinances regulating injection wells, including giving the Cherokee Nation approval authority over all wells. Full Story >>

President Barack Obama unveiled his plan to put thousands more Americans out of work this month with a budget that would increase the deficit and make the United States more dependent on foreign oil producing nations. Full Story >>

Congressman John Sullivan’s views on energy are not matched by many of his Washington, D.C., peers. With the nation’s political majority focused on creating new taxes and regulations for the oil and natural gas industry, Sullivan and his Oklahoma peers are the few attempting to promote the use of fossil fuels. Full Story >>

The opening salvo in the battle against TransCanada’s Keystone Pipeline expansion has been fired in Montana. That state’s governor, Brian Schweitzer, said he wants oil companies in his state and neighboring North Dakota to be able to tap into the proposed pipeline that would run from Alberta to the Gulf Coast. Full Story >>

Richard Salamon is the Secretary of the OIPA and the association’s de facto natural gas guru. This month, he answers our “20 Questions.”

Full Story >>

Same song, second verse.

The state legislature reconvenes in February, and the OIPA will be there with a familiar list of legislative goals. Full Story >>

In a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Oklahoma Congressman Dan Boren announced his opposition to rule changes regarding domestic oil and gas production on federal lands. Full Story >>

Led by U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, OIPA and like-minded allies in the energy and agriculture sectors won a major battle in the struggle to prevent Congress from imposing unnecessary and expensive regulations on the way independent producers manage risk. Full Story >>

Want proof tax incentives for the oil and natural gas industry work? Just look at the state’s coalbed methane production. Full Story >>

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking public comment on its proposed enforcement and compliance priorities for fiscal years 2011-2013.
Full Story >>

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed the strictest standards to date for ground-level ozone. 
Full Story >>

A concerted effort to recruit new members to the OIPA’s Wildcatters Club is paying off. Full Story >>

Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas producers are doing their part to support the state, Secretary of Energy Bobby Wegener said during the Mid-Continent CBM and Shale Gas Symposium. Full Story >>

With the approval of our building design, the OIPA’s Building Committee is returning its focus to fundraising. Full Story >>

In Oklahoma, a trio of state companies are leading the charge to increase the uses for natural gas, converting their fleet vehicles from diesel and gasoline to a self-produced fuel. Full Story >>

The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board is pleased to introduce the newest member of its staff, Education Director Stephanie Coy. Full Story >>

The OIPA’s board of directors has approved the design of the OIPA’s permanent headquarters.

The move puts the OIPA one step closer to beginning construction and serves as the high water mark for the association’s capital campaign, which was launched in 2006. Full Story >>