(WO) – To better advocate for the interests of America’s independent oil and gas producers, the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA) are merging, effective July 1. IPAA has represented independents for 97 years, while DEPA was co-founded in 2008 by Continental Resources founder and Executive Chairman Harold Hamm. At present, Hamm is still DEPA’s chairman. Leaders for both groups are touting the merger as a case of being “Stronger Together” and creating “One Voice for American Independent Oil & Gas Producers.”
Edith Naegele, IPAA President and CEO
At its annual meeting at The Broadmoor hotel and resort in Colorado Springs, IPAA’s board of directors approved the merger with DEPA on Wednesday (June 17). But such a merger requires a two-thirds affirmative vote by the IPAA membership present, so a vote was taken on Thursday morning (June 18). The membership proceeded to approve the merger with a unanimous voice vote.
“The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA) voted this month to consolidate under the IPAA brand, effectiveJuly 1,unifying the voice of independent producers of oil and natural gas across the country and strengthening our position as an advocacy organization in Washington,” said IPAA President and CEO Edith Naegele. “For nearly 100 years, IPAA has served America’s independent oil and natural gas producers, while DEPA has emerged as an influential advocate for the industry under the leadership of Harold Hamm. This merger marks a defining moment for America’s independent oil and natural gas industry.
“America’s independent producers helped transform the United States from a nation concerned about energy scarcity into the world’s leading energy producer,” continued Naegele. “By uniting nearly a century of industry leadership with one of the most effective and influential advocacy organizations in American energy, we create a single, stronger IPAA voice for America’s independent producers. “At a time when the world is looking to the United States for energy leadership, this unity carries significance far beyond our industry. As one voice, we will be better equipped to advance the policies needed to sustain American energy leadership, support our allies, and deliver abundant, affordable, and reliable energy for generations to come.”
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