Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States
The Independent Petroleum Association of Mountain States (IPAMS) is a regional, non-profit trade association that focuses on energy and public lands issues in the thirteen-state Intermountain West of the United States. Founded in 1974, IPAMS represents about 400 independent natural gas and oil producers, service and supply companies, banking and financial institutions and industry consultants. Ninety percent of the natural gas wells in America are developed by companies whose names are often unknown. These companies, known as independents, are small businesses that don't have refining and retail operations such as gas stations.
IPAMS advocate the benefits of increased domestic natural gas and oil production from the Intermountain West as a way to reduce greenhouse gases and decrease the U.S. dependence on foreign energy. IPAMS primarily focuses its efforts on federal policy and regulatory interests, including access to federal lands for exploration and production, federal agency permitting, air and water quality, wildlife conservation, health and safety, taxation, and other issues.
IPAMS also provides public and media relations support through a wide variety of media and community outreach efforts. As a regional trade-association, IPAMS has become a source for information and statistical analysis for the natural gas and oil industry in the Western United States.