Interim legislative study focuses on energy taxes in Oklahoma

There’s just no letup in the political battle over whether the gross production tax on oil and gas in Oklahoma should be raised to a full 7 percent.

Democratic candidate for governor Drew Edmondson is campaigning to increase the GPT while Republican Kevin Stitt is against it.

So one legislator wants to learn more details about the controversial issue. And also examine and learn more about state revenue from other forms of energy such as wind and electricity.

An interim study examining how Oklahoma’s energy industries are taxed was requested by Sen. Casey Murdock, a Republican Representative from Felt. The first meeting and hearing will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m. in room 535 of the State Capitol.

“Oklahomans may be aware of gross production taxes, but that’s just one area of taxes paid by energy companies,” Murdock said.  “We’ll be looking at electricity production and the sources used for that including coal, wind, and natural gas. In a second segment of the same study, we’ll examine mineral extraction which will include coal, oil and gas. Our goal is to present a comprehensive view of all the taxes these industries pay to the state.”

The full agenda for the interim study can be downloaded from the Senate’s official website: http://www.oksenate.gov/publications/senate_studies/Interim%20Studies%20-%202018/18-20/IS_First_18-20.html

Murdock can be reached at his state office, phone 405-521-5926.