Okla. Stat. tit. 52, § 52-149.1: Oil and gas referees

The Commission is hereby authorized to employ three oil and gas

referees who shall be in the unclassified service. Any person

filling the position of oil and gas referee shall be a graduate of

an accredited college or university with a degree in law, geology,

petroleum engineering or similar fields related to hydrocarbon

extraction, or possesses significant experience in the practice of

law or the exploration, production or supervision of oil or gas

operations. Each oil and gas referee shall also be familiar with

state statutes and Commission rules and regulations governing oil

and gas operations. The oil and gas referees shall hear such cases

and exercise such powers as the Commission shall direct. The

Commission may establish such rules and regulations as are necessary

to implement this section. The referees shall be subject to the

overall supervision and direction of the General Administrator.