Knowles elected chairman of national governors’ organization

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

Gov. Tony Knowles was elected chairman of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission June 8.

Knowles succeeds Gov. Bill Graves of Kansas and will assume the post in 2000.

The IOGCC represents the governors of 37 states and promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and gas natural resources, while protecting health, safety and the environment.

The election was held at the midyear meeting of the IOGCC in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The meeting has focused on continuing to urge federal and state action to combat low oil prices.

“I look forward to taking an active leadership role as chairman of the IOGCC, an organization that has focused on developing sound oil and gas policy since its creation in 1935,” Knowles said.

Knowles, serving his second term as Alaska’s Governor, has worked in the oil industry in Alaska, Texas and Oklahoma, and has remained involved with the industry throughout his public service career.

Tony Garza, chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas, will become IOGCC second vice chairman in 2000. Lawrence E. Bengal, supervisor of the Illinois Division of Oil and Gas and current IOGCC second vice chairman, will move up to the vice chairman position.

The new officers will assume their duties at the December annual meeting in New Orleans. That meeting will focus on the interaction between the world’s energy demands and the environment.