Oklahoma’s Oil and Natural Gas Industry; Advancing Our State. Empowering Our Nation.

The initial meeting of the OERB

Took place at the Capitol in room 419-C.

It was October 13, 1992,

When they first met to decide what to do.

Oklahoma Secretary of Energy Charles Nesbitt presided.

This meeting determined how the future would be guided.

Mike Cantrell was elected as Chairman number one.

Then Pete Brown Vice Chairman to join in the fun.

Mike Smith was elected as Secretary.

So to begin, OERB was directed by these three.

Added at that meeting were three more spots to the group.

Two represented crude oil purchasers and one royalty owner to complete the troop.

So the efforts of the board began right away.

By mid-1993 six major company reps were added to stay.

Committees began popping up and the jet was preparing to ascend.

The word was getting out and the groundwork was laying a trend,

That would set the altitude for future years of the OERB,

To fly at heights barely dreamed of before that you see.

No other state was preparing this trip,

Seems oil site restoration was something they would skip.

With the vision of these men’s foresight,

The past messes of the oil industry would begin to be set right.

One by one sites began to be restored,

And many a landowner were thanking the Lord,

For the efforts of those who met that day,

And the results that now were being sent their way.

It is people like these men that shine as a light,

Who volunteer their time to make things right.

By 2011 almost 11,000 sites have been restored,

And yes people are still thanking the Lord,

That someone took the time to think ahead,

And provide an effort that by the OERB is still led.

Teachers are being trained, so the students are too,

About how oil and gas affects me and you.

Petro Pros are reaching out to the Oklahoma schools,

Providing entertaining ways to show how oil and gas rules!

Students are geared up and excited to go to college,

And expand their education about oil and gas knowledge.

Yes, scholarships are offered to various energy programs in the state,

To help our graduates work in Oklahoma and close that employment gate.

Now other states are following suit and forming their team,

nd preparing their flights as their momentum builds steam.

he dreams of the men who met in 1992

Are reaching more than Oklahomans as they intended them to.

Not all at once, although that would have been great,

But victory sometimes comes as you are patient and wait.

Patient as an airplane full of passengers and cargo,

Who have a destination and a mission not to fly low,

But soar above the clouds and never merely glide,

Keeping up the pace and the Oklahoma stride.

Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas industry has set an example for the nation.

It is being met with curiosity, and some careful consideration.

It began with a vision to educate, restore and build with determination.

Oklahoma’s Oil and Natural Gas Industry;

Advancing Our State. Empowering Our Nation.

(written by Cheryl Standage 3/15/2011 in honor of OERB’s first Chairman

Mike Cantrell who was named “Hero of the Industry” by the National Stripper Well

Association at their Annual Energy Gala April 16, 2011.)