Press Release

OIPA Honors Fallin With 2008 Friend of the Wildcatter Award

Washington, DC -- The Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association (OIPA) today honored U.S. Representative Mary Fallin with its “2008 Friend of the Wildcatter” award for her service to Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry.

             The award recognizes Fallin, who serves Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, as a“Friend of the Wildcatter” for voting consistently in the 110th Congress to grow the economy, protect Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry jobs, and increase domestic exploration and production.

             OIPA is the state's largest oil and gas advocacy group, representing more than 1,700 member companies in the crude oil and natural gas exploration/production industry or affiliated businesses.

             “Congresswoman Fallin has been a loyal friend to the men and women working in Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry for years,” said OIPA Chairman John Pilkington. “She understands the financial risks independent producers take each time they drill a well and their commitment to improving the communities in which they operate and live. Most importantly, the Congresswoman understands that increased domestic oil and natural gas production is key to efforts to make America more energy secure.”

              “It’s a real honor to serve the people of Oklahoma and the men and women working in the domestic energy industry,” said Fallin. “America’s independent oil and natural gas producers are working every day to make our nation more energy secure.  I’m proud to support policies that encourage the United States to develop its oil and natural gas resources right here at home.”

             According to the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board, the total economic output of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry is estimated to be more than $23 billion. Roughly 60,000 Oklahomans work directly in energy related jobs with the industry supporting indirectly an additional 186,000 jobs.

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