IPAA and DEPA Consolidate Under Unified IPAA Brand, Creating a Stronger Voice for America’s Independent Oil and Natural Gas Producers

Jul 1, 2026 IPAA and DEPA Consolidate Under Unified IPAA Brand, Creating a Stronger Voice for America's Independent Oil and Natural Gas Producers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Domestic Energy Producers Alliance (DEPA) announced that their memberships have voted to consolidate under the IPAA brand, effective July 1, uniting two influential organizations into one stronger, national voice for America's independent oil and natural gas producers.

For nearly a century, IPAA has served as the leading trade association for independent producers, while DEPA has grown into a highly effective advocacy organization under the leadership of Harold Hamm. Together, the unified organization will expand its reach and strengthen its ability to advocate for the men and women who represent the backbone of the American energy industry.

America's independent producers have played a central role in transforming the United States into the world's leading energy producer.

By combining IPAA's longstanding industry leadership in Washington with DEPA's nationwide grassroots network, the unified organization will strengthen its ability to advance policies that support domestic energy production, bolster national security, defend access to capital, and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in energy abundance.

Edith Naegele, IPAA President and CEO: "This consolidation will strengthen our ability to represent independent producers at a critical moment for American energy leadership. By unifying our two organizations, we are enhancing the IPAA brand and expanding our reach to ensure the voice of the independent producer is heard clearly and effectively in Washington and beyond."

Mike Hillebrand, Huntley & Huntley CEO, IPAA Chairman: "This announcement reflects the best of our industry: practical leadership, shared purpose, and the ability to adapt to meet the needs of the moment. By aligning our resources and expertise, we are positioning IPAA to meet today's challenges and seize tomorrow's opportunities on behalf of independent producers across the country."

Harold Hamm, Chairman of Continental Resources and Executive Chairman of DEPA: "America's independent oil and gas producers are stronger together. Independent producers led the shale revolution, restored American energy strength and changed the balance of power in the world. This consolidation is about protecting that legacy and building on it. A unified IPAA will give America's independent producers the strong, clear voice they deserve as we fight for the policies that keep energy affordable, keep America secure and keep our nation leading the world."

IPAA is a national upstream trade association representing independent oil and natural gas producers and service companies across the United States. Independent producers operate 95 percent of the nation's oil and natural gas wells and are responsible for 85 percent of onshore U.S. oil production and 90 percent of onshore natural gas production.

DEPA was established to advance the priorities of domestic energy producers through advocacy and producer-led policy leadership. Among its successes, DEPA successfully led the charge to lift the crude oil export ban in 2015.

Learn more about IPAA by visiting www.ipaa.org and following @IPAAaccess on X.