Kansas oil and gas producers meet in Hays for mid-year meeting

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Oil and gas producers from across the state of Kansas gathered Thursday in Hays for the annual Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association mid-year meeting.

KIOGA President Ed Cross said more than 200 people attended the 22nd annual mid-year meeting at the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility at Fort Hays State University.

Members got the opportunity to tour both Sternberg Museum of Natural History and Hess Services, and there were also presentations throughout the day.

Cross said the industry continues to see growth — over 37 percent in the last 10 years — but continues to face issues from outside entities, especially the federal government.

Cross said he believes some federal regulatory agencies are overstepping their regulatory reach, citing the recent designation of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The agency has said the loss of grouse’s habitat has been at least partly affected by petroleum production in the region.

Despite the continued growth of the industry, Cross said one of the big issues facing producers is finding workers.

KIOGA partners with NCK Tech to train entry-level oilfield workers, which Cross said is that needs to continue as employers search for qualified workers.

Despite the issues the industry is facing right now Cross said he believes the “future is very bright.”

According to KIOGA, the oil and gas industry supports of 67,000 jobs in Kansas and $5 billion in family income. Ellis County remains the largest oil-producing counties in the state.