--> Abstract: History of California's Oil and Gas Industry and the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, by S. F. Hodgson; #90992 (1993).

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HODGSON, SUSAN F., Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources, Sacramento, CA

ABSTRACT: History of California's Oil and Gas Industry and the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources

California's oil-field history begins in the 1860s with pioneers mining and refining asphaltum from tarry seeps. By 1876, the state had its first truly commercial oil well. Soon, many oil fields were being discovered and produced. Companies sought to capture as much oil as possible, as fast as they could. The free-for-all atmosphere left oil and gas wasted by the rapid extraction, and petroleum reservoirs damaged from the entry of underground waters.

Events grew so chaotic that the petroleum industry itself sought regulation. Thus, on August 9, 1915, the Department of Petroleum and Gas (today, the Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources) was formed.

Together, the petroleum industry and the Division moved through scientific and engineering advances, World Wars I and II, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the development of offshore resources, the use of enhanced oil recovery methods, and a new level of environmental awareness--a long and fascinating journey.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90992©1993 AAPG Pacific Section Meeting, Long Beach, California, May 5-7, 1993.