EXHIBIT 99.1

Whiting USA Trust I

Whiting USA Trust I Announces Trust Quarterly Distribution

NEWS
RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, Texas, August 5, 2011 — Whiting USA Trust I (NYSE Symbol — WHX) announced the third Trust distribution in 2011, which relates to net profits generated during the second quarterly payment period of 2011.

Unitholders of record on August 19, 2011 will receive a distribution amounting to $11,425,247 or $0.824101 per unit, which is payable on or before August 29, 2011.

Volumes, price and net profits for the payment period were:

Sales Volumes:
Oil (Bbls)			183,888
Natural Gas (Mcf)			675,812
Total (BOE)			296,523
Average Sales Prices:
Oil (per Bbl)		$	91.40
Natural gas (per Mcf)		$	4.19
Gross Proceeds:
Oil Sales		$	16,807,025
Natural Gas Sales			2,832,373
Total Gross Proceeds		$	19,639,398
Costs:
Lease Operating Expenses		$	5,973,936
Production Taxes			1,425,362
Realized Gains on Hedging Settlements			(742,137	)
Total Costs		$	6,657,161
Net Profits		$	12,982,237
Percentage allocable to Trust’s Net Profits Interest			90	%
Total cash available for the Trust		$	11,684,013
Provision for estimated Trust expenses			(175,000	)
Montana state income taxes withheld			(83,766	)
Net cash proceeds available for distribution		$	11,425,247
Trust units outstanding			13,863,889
Cash distribution per Trust unit		$	0.824101

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including all statements made in this press release other than statements of historical fact. No assurances can be given that such statements will prove to be correct. The announced distributable amount is based, in part, on the amount of cash received or expected to be received by the Trust from Whiting Petroleum Corporation pursuant to the net profits interest with respect to the relevant quarterly period. Any differences in actual cash receipts by the Trust could affect this distributable amount. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include expenses of the Trust, fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices, uncertainty of estimates of oil and natural gas reserves and production, risks inherent in operation and production of oil and gas properties and future production costs. Statements made in this press release are qualified by the cautionary statements made in this press release. The Trustee does not intend, and assumes no obligation, to update any of the statements included in this press release.

Contact:		Whiting USA Trust I The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee Mike Ulrich (512) 236-6599 919 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 www.businesswire.com/cnn/whx.htm