Merger approved of two oil and gas trade groups in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s two oil and gas trade groups have made it official—they’re merging.

Members of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association voted this week to merge with the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association. OKOGA had earlier given its approval to the deal.

The new single organization will represent the oil and gas supply chain in the state. It will represent not only oil and natural gas exploration companies but those firms that also transport and refine the product.

“The OIPA and OKOGA represent virtually all of the public and private oil and gas companies actively investing capital in Oklahoma today,” said OKOGA Chairman Wade Hutchings, senior vice president of exploration and production for Oklahoma City’s Devon Energy. “Alignment between the two associations is at an all-time high, with both groups pursuing very similar agendas on behalf of their members, some of whom are part of both associations. I welcome this merger and believe the two entities together will serve as one voice, advocating for a stronger and more diversified Oklahoma economy that’s proud of our energy history and future.”

The 63-year old OIPA is the state’s largest association representing the oil and gas industry. It represented more than 2,000 producers as well as the businesses supporting the supply chain. As for OKOGA, it was founded in 1919 and is Oklahoma’s oldest energy trade organization in the U.S.

“This is a historic moment for Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry,” said OIPA Chairman Berry Mullennix, president and CEO of Tulsa’s Panther Energy Company. “The OIPA and OKOGA have established themselves as the nation’s leading advocates for the men and women of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry. By joining forces, the larger, stronger association created will be better able to represent our members and ensure the state’s defining industry is well represented at the state Capitol, in Washington, D.C., and in the regulatory arenas where the business interests of our members lie.”

Following the merger, the new association will operate under the name OIPA-OKOGA, with a new name expected to be unveiled in early 2019. Chad Warmington will serve as president of the new organization which will consolidate into the OIPA building in Oklahoma City.