Geoff Simon

BISMARCK – Western Dakota Energy Association Executive Director Geoff Simon has informed the association board of his intention to retire effective June 30, according to WDEA President Leslie Bieber.

Simon joined WDEA in October 2016, coinciding with the association’s name change from the North Dakota Association of Oil and Gas Producing Counties. The organization represents the interests of cities, counties and school districts in the oil, gas and coal-producing region of North Dakota. Bieber said WDEA will soon begin its search for Simon’s successor.

“Geoff Simon has been a steadfast advocate for the people of western North Dakota,” said Bieber, who is superintendent of the Alexander School District. “Geoff has been a stalwart in defense of the state’s distribution of proceeds of the gross production tax on oil and gas, ensuring that its benefits extend not only to WDEA members, but across the entire state in support of North Dakota’s economic growth and stability.”

Simon has worked closely with legislative leaders the past four legislative sessions, lobbying in support of infrastructure projects to address energy industry impacts as well as public enhancements to create vibrant communities that attract and retain a skilled workforce.

“I have been involved with the Western Dakota Energy Association for over 35 years and no one has advocated for the oil and gas counties, cities, townships and school districts as effectively as Geoff Simon,” said former Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner. “His fingerprints are all over legislation that will have a positive effect on future generations of North Dakotans.”

During Simon’s tenure, WDEA made lasting changes to the gross production tax distribution formula, including substantive improvements to the revenue allocation to the Hub Cities of Dickinson, Minot and Williston, as well as creation of the infrastructure buckets for non-oil-producing counties as part of the Operation Prairie Dog legislation in 2019. Simon was also a driving force behind WDEA’s creation of its Wise Roads project (Weather Information System to Effectively Reduce Oilfield Delays and Disruptions), which placed 50 research-grade weather stations in oil-producing counties to improve the movement of oilfield traffic and ensure public safety during periods of inclement weather. The association has enhanced and expanded its operation of LoadPass Permits, the oversize truck permitting system operated by WDEA for counties and cities in North Dakota.

Bieber also praised Simon for his engagement on education issues, such as his advocacy for the needs of rapidly-growing school districts, and his recent work with a school construction coalition.