November 1, 2017 archive

Rocky Start for Rep. Bridenstine’s NASA Confirmation Hearing

The confirmation hearing for Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine to become the next Administrator at NASA got off to a bumpy start on Wednesday when he was attacked by the leading Democratic Senator on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The attack was launched by Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida who accused Bridenstine of …

Continue reading »

Group Starts Petition Drive for Vote to Raise Taxes on Oil and Gas

The Oklahoma Energy Producers Alliance says it’s starting a petition drive to let Oklahoma voters decide whether there should be an increase in the gross production tax on oil and gas. Some of the vertical well producers who belong to the OEPA voted at their October board meeting to support putting the issue on a …

Continue reading »

Blueknight Energy Makes $32 million Acquisition

A more than $32 million deal’s been announced by Oklahoma City-based Blueknight Energy Partners L.P. in the acquisition of two asphalt terminalling operations in Georgia and Oklahoma. The company said the $32.5 million purchase includes a facility in Bainbridge, Georgia owned by Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions, Inc. A plant in Muskogee owned by Frontier Terminal …

Continue reading »

Gas Service Restored to Women’s Prison in OKC

Gas service was restored late Tuesday night to the Oklahoma City Community Corrections Center. Spokesman Matt Elliott said heat to the rooms and hot water was returning.  The center, home to more than 250 women inmates had been without gas service since Saturday when natural gas was smelled outside the facility.    

TU Law Professor Blames Himself for How Pruitt’s Running the EPA

A Tulsa University law school professor is apologizing for what he might have taught EPA Chief Scott Pruitt when he was in law school saying Pruitt brought a new level of “politicization” to the EPA. Writing in the Santa Fe New Mexican, Rex Zedalis said, “I confess regret for whatever small role I played in …

Continue reading »

Inhofe Says EPA Chief is Right in Ending Conflicts of Interest

Even before Scott Pruitt announced an end to EPA grants awarded to scientists who act on EPA science advisory committees, his plan was applauded by Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe. As a former 8-year chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Inhofe appreciated the move. “Administrator Pruitt’s directive to increase transparency and impartiality …

Continue reading »

Pruitt Shakes up EPA Science Advisory Committees——Ends Conflict of Interests

Former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott, now in his capacity as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency issued a directive on Tuesday putting an end to advisory groups from receiving millions of dollars in the form of EPA grants. The idea is to end what some perceive as a conflict of interest for those same scientists …

Continue reading »