The Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association (POGAM) and the Independent Oil and Gas Association of Pennsylvania are merging to become the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA) with about 700 members.

The ranks of the new organization will include oil and natural gas producers, drilling contractors and service companies, as well as various professional firms, individuals and royalty owners.

“The Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association will draw upon the combined expertise of our independent associations to better serve the needs of our member organizations, which represent the leading oil and natural gas producers working in the commonwealth,” said PIOGA President Lou D’Amico. “By joining forces as one, unified voice, we will expand our mission to achieve even greater success for our members, including our role as liaison with other associations, companies, government and regulatory agencies to foster proactive communication, regulatory and policy development, workforce and safety training, and continued education and growth within all segments of the industry.”

PIOGA will be based in Wexford, PA, and will employ a five-person staff. PIOGA’s merged 29-member board will provide oversight while various committees oversee transportation, safety, environmental and exploration and production initiatives. PIOGA said it intends to host an annual meeting and a large-scale conference and trade show, as well as yearly industry seminars, public educational meetings and community events.

“This merger is an important milestone in leveraging the industry’s common goal to operate under a unified framework that advances the responsible exploration and production of both the Marcellus Shale and other oil and gas producing formations throughout the Appalachian Basin,” said current POGAM Chairman Frederick Fesenmyer. “The entire industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, and the importance of a united, cohesive industry and community advocate cannot be overstated.”

The PIOGA board is to meet Thursday to determine the structure and officers of the new association.

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