Wyoming Governor to Chair National Oil and Gas Commission

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon has been elected the next chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

The election took place on May 17 at the organization’s most recent business meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Gordon, the son of ranchers from Kaycee, Wyoming, will succeed the commission’s current chair, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, in October.

Established by Congress in 1935, Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission works with its member states, the federal government and other stakeholders to help develop sound regulatory practices for the oil and gas industry.

Today the commission has 38 member states and serves as their collective voice on oil and gas issues.

In a written statement, Gordon said he looks forward to leading the commission’s “ongoing effort to champion state-led leadership” when it comes to emerging technologies, regulatory issues and resource stewardship for the oil and gas industry.

Michael Pearlman, communications director for Gov. Gordon, told The Well News Wyoming benefits in a number of ways from its involvement in the commission.

“IOGCC brings validity when providing studies, solutions and recommendations through a unified voice of many states, leaders, and experts,” Pearlman said.

“By being a member state and being engaged with the commission, Wyoming has a voice and a seat at the table on key oil and natural gas issues. IOGGCC member states work together to address issues like orphan wells, bonding, carbon sequestration, produced water, and hydraulic fracturing,” he added.

In addition to his work with the interstate commission, Gov. Gordon serves as chairman of the five-member Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, a panel established in 1951 to regulate oil and gas activity in the state. 

The WOGCC’s responsibilities include processing permits, conducting well inspections and managing the underground injection control program and orphan well program. The commission ensures responsible development and management of Wyoming’s oil and gas resources and provides appropriate environmental stewardship for Wyoming citizens.

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