Le Norman: OERB serves new chairman proud

I am honored to be elected to serve as the new chairman of the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board. As a longtime Oklahoman, I’m proud of our state’s leadership in developing this nation-leading program.

My roots in this industry go back multiple generations. My father’s and grandfather’s oil and gas careers also each spanned over four decades. Many of my colleagues share similar stories. The industry is the heart of our state – employing thousands of people, improving our quality of life, supporting countless charitable organizations, and contributing more than $2 billion to education over the past decade.

During my tenure as chairman, I look forward to working with teachers to ensure we are providing each of them with high-quality classroom resources and equipment to keep our students engaged, especially in STEM. I’m passionate about supporting education and keeping our students in-state through career opportunities found in the most technologically advanced industry in Oklahoma. The people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas believe that our students should understand our state’s role in leading America’s oil and natural gas renaissance and the securities that come with it.

The OERB also has a uniquely Oklahoman program – voluntarily funded remediation of historic, orphaned well sites. The people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas fund the cleanup and restoration of well sites left between 40 and 100 years ago by companies and individuals that no longer exist. This program is truly a tribute to Oklahoma’s oil and gas producers and royalty owners as they continue to take a personal role in being a steward of our environment.

Over the next two years, I’m committed to growing our programs while finding new ways to benefit teachers, students and landowners in the most efficient way possible. Thank you, to the more than 2,500 Oklahoma oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners for voluntarily supporting the OERB as we all continue to invest our time and resources in our great state.

See the original article on The Journal Record