Founded in 1906 as a regional natural gas pipeline operator in Oklahoma, ONEOK, Inc. has evolved into a region-leading energy company, specializing in the natural gas and natural gas liquids sectors. Today, ONEOK, Inc. stands proud as a FORTUNE 500 entity and a recognized member of the S&P 500. I was able to sit down with ONEOK, Inc. Director of Government Relations Danette Welsh to discuss the company’s expansion to North Dakota, its commitment to a cleaner future, and more.
Danette Welsh, Director of Government Relations
"In 2023, ONEOK and Magellan Midstream combined paid more than $19 million in property taxes, making ONEOK the state’s largest property taxpayer."
Founded in 1906 as a regional natural gas pipeline operator in Oklahoma, ONEOK, Inc. has evolved into a region-leading energy company, specializing in the natural gas and natural gas liquids sectors. Today, ONEOK, Inc. stands proud as a FORTUNE 500 entity and a recognized member of the S&P 500. I was able to sit down with ONEOK, Inc. Director of Government Relations Danette Welsh to discuss the company’s expansion to North Dakota, its commitment to a cleaner future, and more.
In North Dakota, ONEOK, Inc. operates a natural gas gathering system that feeds into ONEOK’s natural gas processing plants, a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) pipeline system that provides critical NGL takeaway capacity for the region, along with the Viking Gas Transmission natural gas system that serves the eastern side of the state, including the Fargo area.
ONEOK’s Key Business Groups
- Alternative Energy Solutions
- Capital Ventures
- Sustainability
“These operations are supported by more than 400 employees and their families who call North Dakota home and work to operate these assets in a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible manner,” Welsh said. “ONEOK’s long-term success is dependent on our ability to attract, develop, and retain a diverse group of talented employees. We are proud to partner with Bismarck State College whose educational programs help provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the industry.”
ONEOK’s presence in North Dakota dates back to the early 2000s, but within the last decade, there has been rapid growth within the company’s midstream operations in the state. According to Welsh, this growth has resulted in an extensive natural gas gathering system, numerous natural gas processing plants, and critical natural gas liquids (NGL) pipelines to accommodate the state’s production growth.
“With the recent acquisition of Magellan Midstream, ONEOK is now one of the most diversified energy infrastructure companies in the U.S. and has expanded its critical infrastructure in the state of North Dakota with two refined product (gasoline and diesel) terminals,” Welsh said.
In line with ONEOK’s core values, Welsh states that the company is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint and implementing measures across its operations to effectively manage emissions. “Operating in an environmentally responsible manner is one of ONEOK’s core values. To manage emissions, we focus on operational efficiencies, investments in emissions-reducing process improvements, leveraging new technologies, and exploring lower-carbon business opportunities,” Welsh said.
“This holds true in North Dakota, where ONEOK is gathering 1.7 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas.” In North Dakota, this commitment has translated into a significant increase in the state’s natural gas capture rate, surpassing 95% due to ONEOK’s processing capacity.
Despite its successes, ONEOK is not without challenges, notably workforce availability. “Since 2010, the industry has grown at a rapid pace, but workforce availability has struggled to keep up,” Welsh said. “We are actively working with education partners throughout the state and within area schools to promote the energy industry and develop our future workforce.”
Did You Know?
Over the last five years, ONEOK has donated more than $4.3 million to North Dakota community partners, including the Bakken Area Skills Center, Great Plains Food Bank, and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science!
“ONEOK upholds its Core Value of Service by supporting the communities where we live and work. From picking up trash at local Pick Up the Patch events to handing out candy at trunk or treats, our employees volunteered more than 1,000 hours at local events in 2023.”
– Danette Welsh
With an eye on the future, ONEOK is exploring projects to enhance the regional supply of natural gas and propane as the state of North Dakota advances potential salt cavern storage development. Furthermore, ONEOK is currently participating in a feasibility study for the Roughrider Carbon Storage Hub, which is expected to store more than 50 million tons of CO2 over 30 years, according to Welsh.
“Our key business groups, alternative energy solutions, capital ventures, and sustainability, will also continue to identify potential low-carbon or emission-reducing projects, as well as investments that would complement our extensive midstream assets and expertise,” Welsh said.
While ONEOK, Inc. has an eye looking ahead, they’re also committed to providing essential services for customers and continuing to adapt to their needs as they evolve. “As we continue to grow our business and expand our operational footprint to meet the needs of stakeholders, so, too, does our commitment to strengthen our companywide sustainability program, practices, and performance,” Welsh said.
oneok.com
918-588-7000
Facebook | /ONEOKInc
Linkedin | Search ‘ONEOK’
Twitter | @ONEOK
Instagram | @oneok_inc