OIPA members approve timely merger with OKOGA

Oklahoma has a new governor, a new Senate President Pro Tempore and a lot of new faces that will be walking the Capitol’s halls. That presents an opportunity for Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry, advocates say, and the merger of the state’s two oldest and largest industry advocacy groups will help that effort. Members of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association voted Tuesday and Wednesday to merge with the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association. The directors of both organizations approved the merger last week. Chad Warmington, previously OKOGA’s president, is leading the combined organization as its president. This week, he said Tuesday’s election resulted in “tremendous change” at the Capitol. “The timing for the associations’ merger couldn’t be better,” Warmington said. “We have gotten beyond the significant budget crisis the past couple of years, and there has been a lot of unity really in the industry’s message. “So it makes sense to have one voice out at the Capitol that speaks very clearly for the entire industry.” Warmington said he and other organization representatives recognize they will be dealing with a new governor, a new senate leader and a House of Representatives with many new members. “But when you have new leadership opportunities like that, it is a perfect time for us

to have a reset ... and really make our case for the importance of consistency and stability for the oil and gas industry.

“To me, it is really fortuitous timing and push a reset button on all of that. We are excited to get started.”

The new organization, which said it will represent the oil and gas supply chain in Oklahoma, issued a statement after the midterms election result and before the OIPA vote was done that already expressed its shared voice.

“The outcome of today’s election makes clear that Oklahomans want their elected officials to focus on sustaining economic growth, diversifying our economy, and providing regulatory certainty that ensures job creators and manufacturers can thrive in Oklahoma,” its statement said.

Founded in 1955, the OIPA was the state’s largest oil and natural gas advocacy group, representing more than 2,000 oil and natural gas producers and the businesses that support the supply chain.

OKOGA, founded in 1919, was the oldest energy trade organization in the United States. OIPA-OKOGA expects to unveil a new name in early 2019.