Ron Ness

On April 4, 1951, a quiet stretch of land near Tioga became the birthplace of a transformation no one could fully imagine. When Amerada Petroleum struck oil at the Clarence Iverson #1 well, it didn’t just uncover energy — it launched an economic era that continues to shape North Dakota’s future.

Early efforts to find oil had fallen short, limited by the technology of the time. But breakthroughs in drilling during the 1950s finally unlocked access to the state’s deep reserves, opening the Williston Basin to production. Decades later, another wave of innovation–horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing–propelled North Dakota to global prominence. Beginning in 2006, these advances ignited a modern energy revolution that not only lifted our state to new economic heights but also helped make the United States energy independent and a net exporter of oil and natural gas.

Today, North Dakota’s oil and natural gas industry produces well over one million barrels of oil each day. It supports 63,000 good-paying jobs and delivers nearly $50 billion in annual economic impact. Each year, the industry contributes more than $4 billion in taxes, fees, and royalties–funding public services that touch every corner of our state.

Those contributions have built lasting legacies. The $14 billion Legacy Fund–paid for entirely by oil and natural gas revenues–secures North Dakota’s long-term financial future. It helps fund transformative initiatives, including a $1,600 property tax break for every homeowner. Industry-generated revenues also support critical infrastructure projects and provide funding for K-12 education in every North Dakota community.

Simply put, the oil and natural gas industry has improved the lives of virtually everyone who calls North Dakota home — and it will continue to do so for generations.

And the story is far from finished.

New natural gas pipelines will soon extend into eastern North Dakota, unlocking opportunities well beyond the Bakken. From fertilizer production and power generation to manufacturing, these investments will drive job creation, economic growth, and new tax revenues throughout the Red River Valley.

Still, we must look ahead with clear eyes. Over the next decade, oil production using current technologies will gradually decline. Without action, the economic benefits, jobs, and revenues tied to today’s production could diminish.

But there is good news–and tremendous opportunity.

Today, we recover just 15% of North Dakota’s known oil resources. With the right policies, smart regulation, and continued investment in innovation, we can develop the next generation of technologies needed to unlock our full potential. The decisions we make now can extend the Bakken’s impact by 20 to 40 years–ensuring North Dakota remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of oil’s discovery in North Dakota, let’s honor that legacy not only by looking back–but by committing to a future where oil and natural gas continue to power prosperity for all North Dakotans.

Ron Ness is president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council.