The Oil and Gas Program is responsible for providing drilling permits, completing site inspections to ensure compliance both before and after drilling, monitoring well completions and overseeing the abandonment and plugging of wells no longer in operation. The program was established in 1955 to prevent the waste of oil and natural gas, encourage conservation and protect correlative rights of oil and natural gas owners.

Currently there are 4,813 oil wells and 7,179 natural gas wells operating statewide. The majority of Utah’s oil and gas is produced in Uintah, Duchesne, San Juan, Carbon, Emery, Summit and Grand counties.

Oil and gas production plays a vital role to Utah’s economy by providing energy-related jobs, boosting local businesses and generating oil and gas tax revenues. The demand for reliable and affordable energy is essential for the well-being of our state. Utah plays a major part in sustaining petroleum production and ranks 11th in oil and gas production in the United States.

The Division supports the environmentally responsible development of essential petroleum resources with a commitment to public safety, needs and education. Staff is committed to protecting the environment through the regulatory processes that monitor the growth of responsible energy development. 

In addition to the affordable energy provided by oil and gas production, many other products are made from petroleum. Products made from or byproducts of petroleum include asphalt, ink, crayons, bubble gum, tires, skis, hand lotion, lipstick, movie film, soft contact lenses and much more.  Natural gas is an essential raw material for many products such as paint, fertilizer, plastics, antifreeze, medicines and explosives.

For more information on oil and gas facts, maps, data and publications, visit oilgas.ogm.utah.gov/index.htm.