Exhibit 99.1

                   NEWPARK COMMISSIONS INTERNAL INVESTIGATION

    METAIRIE, La., April 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc.
(NYSE: NR) today announced that, based on information that has come to its
attention, the Audit Committee has commissioned an internal investigation
regarding potential irregularities involving the processing and payment of
invoices by Soloco Texas, LP, one of the Company's smaller subsidiaries, and
other possible violations. It has not yet been determined whether all or any
portion of these payments is recoverable.

    Effective immediately, and pending completion of the investigation, the CEO
of the Company has placed on administrative leave the chairman and CEO of
Newpark Environmental Water Services, LLC, one of the Company's operating
divisions, as well as the Company's chief financial officer, and an officer of
Soloco Texas, LP. No determination of the culpability, if any, of these
individuals or any other employees of the Company has or will be made until the
internal investigation is complete. Mr. Paul Howes, who was elected as the
Company's chief executive officer on March 22, 2006, is managing the Company and
overseeing its day-to-day operations.

    The Company's Audit Committee has engaged the Jones Walker law firm of New
Orleans as special investigation counsel.

    Newpark Resources, Inc. provides integrated fluids management,
environmental and oilfield services to the exploration and production
industry.

SOURCE  Newpark Resources, Inc.
    -0-                             04/17/2006
    /CONTACT:  Eric M. Wingerter, V.P. and Corporate Controller for Newpark
Resources, Inc., +1-504-838-8222/
    /Web site:  http://www.newpark.com /
    (NR)