OKOGA Warns Against Actions by Sierra Club, EarthWorks

A leading Oklahoma energy industry association is striking back at two oppositional groups. In a Saturday op-ed published by The Journal Record, Chad Warmington, president of the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association, alleged the Sierra Club and EarthWorks conspired in a publicity stunt by releasing misleading videos giving the appearance of improper emissions leaking from oil and natural gas facilities in Oklahoma.

The OKOGA revealed that EarthWorks admitted it did not have scientific measurements to support its claims. When pressed, EarthWorks told the Kingfisher Times & Free Press that regulators are responsible for the data.

Newly released data issued by the Environmental Protection Agency refutes EarthWorks’ arguments. The EPA released a report in August indicating that methane emissions have declined by 33 percent in Oklahoma’s Anadarko Basin since 2011.

The OKOGA further states the Sierra Club works with other anti-fossil groups in Oklahoma to attempt to stop pipeline projects. It also advocates for a flat 7 percent gross production tax to be levied exclusively on the oil and gas industry rather than all forms of energy production.

Warmington indicated that the oil and natural gas industry has made great strides in the past year towards recovery by creating 5,000 jobs in Oklahoma since January. GPT collections have risen for 11 consecutive months as production grows. He also pointed to a record-setting year by the Oklahoma School Land Commission, the largest mineral owner in Oklahoma.