The Office of the Secretary of the Environment was established in 1986 to provide greater oversight and coordination to the energy activities of the State government.

The Office was established, along with the Oklahoma State Cabinet, by the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986.

The Secretary serves ex officio as the Governor's representative of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

As of fiscal year 2011, the Secretary of Energy oversees 969 full-time employees and is responsible for annual budget of over $641 million.

Since incumbent Secretary Bobby Wegener also serves as the governor's representative to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, he receives the salary allowed for that position.