- Southern California’s Senior Public Relations/Public Affairs Firm to Manage all Aspects of OriginOil Public Relations Corporate Communications –

Los Angeles, CA – May 19, 2008 – OriginOil, Inc. (OTCBB: OOIL), the developer of a breakthrough technology to help transform algae, the most promising source of renewable oil, into a true competitor to petroleum, announced today that it has named Cerrell Associates Inc. (CAI) as its public relations agency of record.

“Cerrell Associates has quality expertise in providing long-term strategic counsel, media and public relations, corporate communications direction and program implementation which will help us achieve our goal to be the leader in the algae-to-oil sector,” said Riggs Eckelberry, OriginOil, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer. “In choosing Cerrell, we have much more than highly effective branding and communications — we have a team partner in promoting algae as a viable source of renewable energy.”

“We are proud to work with OriginOil, Inc. because they are true innovator in the renewable energy arena,” said Mark Wittenberg, Principal and Executive Vice President of Cerrell Associates, Inc. “With oil over $125 a barrel, and food-based fuels quickly becoming less viable, OriginOil is ready to capitalize on its unique technology that will transform algae to oil.”

Cerrell Associates works with many of the country’s most high profile corporate, non-profit, political, environmental and trade organizations. Sound strategies help CAI clients achieve their public relations goals.

Los Angeles-based Cerrell Associates Inc. (CAI) specializes in public affairs, political consulting, issues management, public relations, corporate communications direction and media, land use, and government relations. Founded in 1966, CAI has the fourth largest environmental practice in the United States, and is one of the nation’s largest independent public relations firms according to O’Dwyers 2007 Directory of Public Relations Firms. It is the sixth largest in Southern California.

Cerrell Associates does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in OriginOil, Inc., or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

About OriginOil, Inc.

OriginOil helps algae growers extract oil from algae for use as a feedstock for the commercial production of transportation fuels, chemicals and foods. In a single step, our breakthrough technology efficiently dewaters and breaks down algae for its useful products, overcoming one of the greatest challenges in making algae a viable replacement for petroleum. As a pioneer and the emerging leader in the global algae oil services field, OriginOil supports its core algae extraction technology with an array of process innovations for some of the world’s most successful algae growers and refiners, just as pioneers like Schlumberger and Halliburton have done in the oilfield services industry. To learn more about OriginOil®, please visit our website at www.originoil.com.

Safe Harbor Statement:

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with our history of losses and our need to raise additional financing, the acceptance of our products and technology in the marketplace, our ability to demonstrate the commercial viability of our products and technology and our need to increase the size of our organization. Further information on the Company's risk factors is contained in the Company's quarterly and annual reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.   The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.