LEGISLATION AND ORGANIZATION

1860
E. W. Hilgard was appointed Mississippi's State Geologist who outlined the geology of the State in a report entitled "The Geology and Agriculture of Mississippi," reporting the existence of the Jackson Dome.

1916
Amerada Petroleum Company had its beginning as the Alabama Exploration Syndicate. This was the brainchild of Everette Lee DeGolyer.

In Mississippi, C.R. Ridgway spearheaded the organization of one of the earliest exploration companies known as the Jackson Oil & Gas Company.

1923
Utilizing the vast natural gas reserves found in the Monroe Gas Field, the Mississippi Power and Light Company joined two other utilities in generating electricity. A power line was built from the generating plant on the Ouachita River to Vicksburg to supply electricity to central Mississippi. This electric power reached Jackson by 1925.

1926
The Southeastern Oil Review was originated as the Mississippi Oil Review by M. Frank Henderson. J. Ishee will provide additional information.

1928
On October 6 an oil scouting service was established for Mississippi and Alabama by Robert L. Steffy, operating from the Edwards Hotel in Jackson.

1932
Two bills were passed taxing companies and persons selling natural gas to the public, and establishing a conservation bill and setting up the Oil & Gas Board. The first rules required permits, logs filed, casing cemented and plugging notice. The Oil & Gas Board also was given the power to require steel line measurements and to cease operations.

1935
Oil was being tremendously over-produced and the Connally "Hot Oil Act" was passed. State reacted by forming the Interstate Oil Compact Commission.

1936
A State Mineral Lease Commission was formed and engaged in the drilling of several wells on the Jackson Dome (Hughes page 82).

1936
The Legislature gave the State Oil & Gas Board the power to prorate wells, but the Federal Court overturned this proration law.

1937
The first official "scout check" was initiated in Hattiesburg.

1938
The Natural Gas Act became effective June 1 making gas companies subject to regulation by the Federal Power Commission.

1939
The Mississippi State Geologic Survey made public a report by Fred Mellon on April 12 that a "high" structure had been discovered in Yazoo County. This led to the discovery of Tinsley Field. (Hughes, Chapter 24)

1939
This Mississippi Geological Society was formed. The officers were Henry Toler, President and Tom McGlothlin, Secretary-Treasurer.

1941
The Steffey Report was bought out by "Buzz" Morgan. The first report of the Dixie Geological Service was published April 24.

1942
In January, the "Dixie" reported that Dr. Everett DeGolyer, Director of Conservation of the Office of the Petroleum Coordinator, urged the State Legislature to "take up the job of managing production of oil and gas so that it will be properly conserved and the physical waste will be avoided. Mississippi failed to pass a conservation bill in 1942.

1944
The Legislature placed a tax of six cents or six percent, whichever is greater.

1944
The Mississippi Association of Petroleum Landmen was formed June 7 with W. Brantley Jackson as its first president.

1944
The Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association affiliated the Mississippi-Alabama Division on October 27, with first officers being Buzz Morgan, President and W.M. Vaughey, Vice President. E. D. Kenna was its first Chairman.

1948
The Mississippi Legislature enacts Conservation Statutes and created the present State Oil & Gas Board. " It is the intent and purpose of this law to permit each and every oil and gas pool in Mississippi to be produced up to its maximum efficient rate of production, subject to the prohibition of waste as herein defined………"

1966
Unitization Laws were enacted by the Legislature. This was a significant move by the Legislature to encourage exploration.

1984
Risk Compensation laws were adopted providing a mechanism which allows parties drilling oil and gas wells to be compensated for the risk associated with exploration and development from interest owners who do not lease or participate financially in the drilling projects.

1989
The Mississippi Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (MIPRO) was formed at its initial annual meeting August 22.

1991
The Mississippi Natural Gas Marketing Act went into effect July 1 to give all owners in a gas well the assurance of an opportunity to market its share of gas.

1994
Incentive Legislation was enacted which has provided certain exemptions from the State's 6% severance tax to encourage the drilling of wells within the state.