Since its inception, the Industrial Commission has been composed of the Attorney General, Agriculture Commissioner, and the Governor, serving as chair.

It is administered by the Industrial Commission, under advisement from the Lignite Research Council, a group of public and private sector experts appointed by the Governor.

By statute, all capital and operating expenses are paid for by the association's revenues, after which 75% of all net profits are added to the state's general fund.

[4] The Oil and Gas Research Program is a public fund that exists to promote the interests of the energy industry in North Dakota.

The director of Department of Mineral Resources Oil and Gas Division and the State Geologist both advise the board as ex-officio nonvoting members.