HOUSTON – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is pleased to welcome the Kentucky Oil & Gas Association as its newest affiliate member.

The Kentucky Oil and Gas Association (“KOGA”) is the industry association for Kentucky’s oil and gas producers. Formed in 1931, KOGA has 250 member companies representing core industry sectors (producers, drillers and field services), associated midstream and downstream sectors (pipelines, transmission and storage, refineries and processors and local distribution companies) and professional services (finance, legal, engineering and surveying).

Kentucky’s oil and gas industry is a $1.1 billion industry in the state’s economy. In 2013, the oil and gas industry supported over 3,200 jobs in direct and downstream industry sectors. The average annual wage for oil and gas jobs is between $50,000 to $60,000. Last year, Kentucky’s oil and gas industry contributed over $40 million in tax revenues to state and local governments.

“This is an exciting partnership with CEA,” said Andrew V. McNeill, KOGA’s Executive Director. “KOGA and CEA’s goal alignment – reliable and affordable energy resources for consumers – is the foundation upon which we’ll build a long and productive relationship between the two organizations.”

“We at CEA are so delighted to have KOGA on board as our latest affiliate member in the Southeast,” said CEA Vice President of State Affairs Brydon Ross. “KOGA’s membership is on the cusp of helping drive a new economic renaissance across the state – especially in Appalachia and Western Kentucky. CEA is excited to partner with KOGA to help advance and harness this promise for consumers across the Commonwealth and country.”

In 2013, thirty-four (34) Kentucky counties reported natural gas production. Over ninety-five percent of the state’s natural gas production comes from Kentucky’s Appalachian counties. Last year, sixty-three (63) Kentucky counties reported oil production. Oil production in Kentucky has increased by 21% since 2011.

For more information on Kentucky Oil & Gas Association, visit their website.