Building a better Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) was founded in 1993 by the state legislature at the request of the oil and natural gas industry. Our leaders’ vision was to leverage the collective strength of the industry to restore land associated with historic well sites and help support educators across the state. Per our statute, the purpose of the Board is to coordinate a program designed to demonstrate to the general public the importance of the Oklahoma oil and natural gas exploration and production industry, to encourage the wise and efficient use of energy, to promote environmentally sound production methods and technologies, to develop existing supplies of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas resources, to support research and educational activities concerning the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry, and to cause remediation of historical oilfield environmental problems.
Since 1993, the OERB has cleaned more than 20,000 historic well sites at no cost to landowners and has provided millions of dollars of free classroom equipment. The OERB remains the gold standard for voluntarily supported oil and natural gas programs in the nation.
Review the statute and/or rules of the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board
Meet the Board of Directors and Staff Members
Board meetings: 2025 Schedule | May Agenda
Fueling opportunity for Oklahoma.
Everything we do is centered around a simple idea: empowering unlimited opportunity for all Oklahomans. All work the OERB does is made possible by voluntary funding from Oklahoma oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners. We tell the story of our industry. From high-paying jobs to infrastructure, providing money for education, restoring our land and helping lead the way to America’s energy independence, we are committed to the well-being and prosperity of all.
Voluntarily funded by the people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas.
The OERB is funded through a voluntary one-tenth of 1% assessment on the sale of oil and natural gas in Oklahoma, paid for by oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners.
Major oil companies, large and small independents, and royalty owners all contribute an equal share to support the OERB in its environmental and educational programs. Although their individual, political and corporate idealisms and philosophies may differ at times, all support and share the OERB’s mission.
Though the OERB is a privatized state agency, it operates more like a streamlined business, keeping administrative costs at less than 10% of the budget. By far, the single largest budget allocation goes toward environmental restoration – and the results can be seen in nearly every county in Oklahoma.
Public and student education together make up the second greatest expenditure. This reflects our desire to teach all Oklahomans about the positive impact of the petroleum industry.
For each participating party, an assessment is remitted to the Oklahoma Tax Commission in the same manner as is provided by law for the payment of gross production tax. If the assessment is less than $25 per month, cumulative amounts of $25 or less may be remitted quarterly.
Any producer or royalty owner who does not wish to participate can apply for a refund from January 1 to March 31 each year. Historically, 95% of all OERB contributions remain in the fund – making ours one of the most strongly supported checkoff programs in the country.
Download the Producer Education refund packet
For questions or to request refunds, call 405-601-2851 or email [email protected]
Media kit.
You may download high-resolution logos below. If you need anything else or are a member of the media and have additional questions, please contact:
OERB Communications Director
Katie Dorsey
405-601-2757
[email protected]
Resources
Logos