Media Kit

Media Kit

The Petroleum Association of Wyoming is committed to working with journalists from Wyoming and beyond to share the story of Wyoming oil and natural gas, its impacts on Wyoming’s economy and most importantly the hard-working men and women of the oil and natural gas industry.

If you are a member of the media and wish to talk to someone from PAW, please contact us:

Media Point of Contact:

Ryan McConnaughey, Vice President and Director of Communications
ryan@pawyo.org
307.234.5333

Logos

The logos on this webpage are for editorial use in newspapers, magazines, trade publications, broadcast media and online media only. All logos remain the property of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW). PAW logos cannot be edited or altered in any way without prior written permission from PAW. Logos may not be used for personal or commercial purposes without prior written approval.

For approval or to request non-editorial usage of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming’s logos, please contact us.

For a copy of PAW’s Style Guide, click here.

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Staff Headshots

The headshots on this webpage are for editorial use in newspapers, magazines, trade publications, broadcast media and online media only. All photographs remain the property of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW). Photographs cannot be edited or altered in any way without prior written permission from PAW. Photographs may not be used for personal or commercial purposes without prior written approval.

Please contact us for approval or to request non-editorial usage of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming’s photographs.

Biographies for each staff member can be found on the PAW Staff page.

Pete Obermueller

Pete Obermueller,

President & CEO

Ryan McConnaughey

Ryan McConnaughey,

Vice President & Director of Communications

Rachel Sanborn

Rachel Sanborn,

Office Manager & Executive Assistant

Latest News

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PAW Victory: D.C. Court of Appeals Rules Anti-Oil and Gas Groups Must Show Actual Harm

PAW Victory: D.C. Court of Appeals Rules Anti-Oil and Gas Groups Must Show Actual Harm Court tells litigious organizations they cannot...

PAW's Beneath the Surface Episode 2: Call Before You're Mad featuring Office of State Lands and Investments Director Stacia Berry

Call Before You’re Mad – Beneath the Surface Episode 2

OSLI Director Stacia Berry on Beneath the Surface Call Before You’re Mad Beneath the Surface Episode 2 is out now! This...

“The Budget Reconciliation Bill is a boon for Wyoming energy production – reinstating regular leasing sales that were the benchmark of the Bureau of Land Management prior to the Biden Administration, recalculating royalty rates to account for increased costs of producing on public lands, restoring leasing rules that help industry to explore for new resources, and following Wyoming's innovative lead by equalizing carbon capture tax credits between carbon storage and the use of CO2 to stimulate more oil recovery.” “We thank Senator Barrasso, Senator Lummis, Representative Hageman, and all the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for their efforts to pass pro-energy, future-oriented solutions that allow America to capitalize on its abundant natural resources and puts Wyoming producers to work fueling our communities.” “We look forward to President Trump signing the bill into law.” Note: Once signed into law, the equalization of carbon capture tax credits will automatically trigger the repeal of SF0017 – Carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery stimulus, passed during the 2025 Wyoming Legislative Session.

PAW Statement on Budget Reconciliation Passage

July 7, 2025 Petroleum Association of Wyoming President Pete Obermueller released the following statement in response to the passage of the...

PAW Submits Comments to Secretary Burgum Regarding Regulatory Issues Impacting Wyoming

January 20, 2025 The Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW) submitted comments to Secretary Doug Burgum as a part of the Department...

Beneath the Surface Guest Spot from U.S. Senator John Barrasso: Standing Up for Wyoming’s Oil & Gas Workers

Beneath the Surface Guest Spot: U.S. Senator John Barrasso

Standing Up for Wyoming’s Oil & Gas Workers By Senator John Barrasso Energy is the lifeblood of our economy, and Wyoming’s...

Beneath the Surface Episode 1 - Introduction with Logo in the Top left corner and headshots of the three speakers down the right side: Pete Obermueller, PAW President; Shelley Shelby, PAW Chairwoman and Ryan McConnaughey, PAW Vice President

PAW Launches ‘Beneath the Surface’

PAW Launches ‘Beneath the Surface’ The Petroleum Association of Wyoming’s new series “Beneath the Surface: Uncovering the stories, policies, and people...

The federal permitting process has become unworkable, bogged down by red tape and bureaucratic delays. Today, permits are almost guaranteed to face legal challenges from activists who seek to halt all development of U.S. resources — regardless of thorough environmental review. One need look no further than the Converse County EIS, which, despite nearly a decade of study, is still being challenged in court. Clearly, change is needed. We appreciate the Administration’s efforts to evaluate the permitting process and urge Congress to pass comprehensive permitting reform. Wyoming’s oil and natural gas industry remains committed to supplying the energy our nation needs, supporting essential state services, and serving as strong community partners—all while protecting the Wyoming landscapes we love for future generations.

PAW Statement on DOI Accelerated Permitting Procedures

The federal permitting process has become unworkable, bogged down by red tape and bureaucratic delays. Today, permits are almost guaranteed to...

PAW congratulates Cyrus Western on his appointment as Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 8. His deep knowledge of Wyoming’s oil and natural gas industry, along with his commitment to balanced, commonsense policies, makes him well-suited to oversee the region’s offices. We are confident that his leadership will bring thoughtful, pragmatic solutions to the regulatory challenges facing Wyoming’s energy producers, ensuring the state’s vital industry can continue to thrive while safeguarding its natural resources.

PAW Statement on the Appointment of Cyrus Western as EPA Region 8 Director

PAW congratulates Cyrus Western on his appointment as Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 8. His deep knowledge of...

(L to R): PAW President Pete Obermueller, PAW Board Member Tom Van Kleef, Rep. Dalton Banks, Rep. J.T. Larson, Rep. Christopher Knapp, Governor Mark Gordon, Rep. Martha Lawley, Rep. Nina Webber, Rep. Kevin Campbell, and Rep. Scott Heiner pose for a picture following the signing of SF 20 - Oil and gas bonding-options and bonding pools.

Petroleum Association of Wyoming Applauds Passage of SF 20, a Novel Solution to Federal Overreach

Petroleum Association of Wyoming Applauds Passage of SF 20, a Novel Solution to Federal Overreach Bonding Bill Allows Industry to Meet...

Chris Wright has extensive experience in the natural gas and oil industry and the Petroleum Association of Wyoming welcomes his confirmation as Secretary of Energy. He is well-suited to lead the Department of Energy at a time when domestic energy production is critical to economic growth and national security. Secretary Wright understands the importance of an energy strategy that supports responsible oil and natural gas development while advancing technological solutions to enhance efficiency and environmental stewardship. PAW looks forward to working with the Secretary on policies that strengthen America’s energy independence and Wyoming’s role as a key energy provider.

Chris Wright Confirmed as Secretary of Energy

Chris Wright has extensive experience in the natural gas and oil industry and the Petroleum Association of Wyoming welcomes his confirmation...