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Gas and Oil Board, Virginia

Commerce and Trade

Purpose

The Virginia Gas and Oil Board shall foster, encourage, and promote the safe and efficient exploration for and development, production, and conservation of the gas and oil resources located in the Commonwealth.

Term

Six year terms

Composition

The Board shall be composed of seven members and shall have the powers and duties as specified under this chapter. The Governor shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, the chairman and six additional members of the Board...the members shall be appointed for terms of six years. At all times, the Board shall consist of the following qualified members: the Director or his designee; one but not more than one individual who is a representative of the gas and oil industry; one but not more than one individual who is a representative of the coal industry; and four other individuals who are not representatives of the gas, oil or coal industry. All vacancies occurring on the Board shall be filled by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, for the unexpired term within sixty days of the occurrence of the vacancy. As the terms of office, respectively, of the members expire, the Governor shall appoint, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, to fill the vacancies so occasioned, qualified persons whose terms shall be for six years from the day on which that of their immediate predecessor expired. The Governor shall seek to appoint persons who reside in localities with significant oil or gas production or storage.

Vacant Seats

The seat descriptions indicate if there is a specific requirement for that seat (a profession, consumer, someone who lives in a certain congressional district, etc.). If there is only a number listed (Seat 7), there is no specific criteria for that seat. A “citizen” seat requires someone who is not affiliated with that profession. If you're interested in any of these seats, please submit an application here.

Member of the Coal Industry	1 seat
Member of the Gas and Oil Industry	1 seat
Member of the General Public	1 seat
Total seats available: 3

Current Board Members

Willart Cochran

Director of Department or Designee Membership expires on 6/30/2028

Gus W. Janson

Member of the General Public Membership expires on 6/30/2028

Mary Ruth Gibson

Member of the General Public Membership expires on 6/30/2030

William P. Owens

Member of the General Public Membership expires on 6/30/2030