Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, commented on the recent announcements that Devon Energy and Expand Energy will both relocate their corporate headquarters to Texas. Hill, who serves as chair of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee, emphasized the importance of continuing to diversify Oklahoma’s economy. “The focus of the House Commerce and Economic …
Governor says state is still winning overall despite moves by Expand and Devon
Disappointing yes. Discouraging….maybe not. It’s the suggestion from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt to the surprising decisions by Devon Energy and Expand Energy to move headquarters to Houston, Texas. Interviewed recently by KOCO TV News, he explained his reaction. “When you hear about things like that, it’s disappointing. But that’s why it’s important to have …
Ogallala aquifer use to be restricted in Southwest Kansas
The Ogallala water aquifer that runs through the Oklahoma Panhandle is now the target of use restrictions to farmers to the north in southwest Kansas. It’s a move that could impact water use by farmers and others in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Managers of the historic source of water used for farming, dairy, beef and biofuels …
OGE and Tinker Air Force Base to host ribbon-cutting for new power generation project
A new power generating facility will be the subject of a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning at Tinker Air Force Base and feature leaders of the air base, the utility and Congress. U.S. Rep. Tom Cole will be among dignitaries on hand for the 9 a.m. ceremony to create added critical electrical power to the important …
Nuclear Office bill wins House subcommittee approval
A bill to create a state Office of Advanced Nuclear Energy in Oklahoma won approval this week in a House subcommittee. Rep. Nick Archer (R-Elk City) authored HB3175 which was approved on a 4-3 vote in the House Appropriations and Budget General Government subcommittee. Archer explained during the Monday hearing that his bill is …
Remember Panasonic plant? It’s close to 50% production
Panasonic’s Kansas battery plant, the $4 billion project that Oklahoma lost to its neighbor a few years ago following intense campaigning by both states, is approaching 50% of production capacity. The Kansas Reflector reports it should be attained in the new few months, according to an official with Panasonic. The Reflector quoted Kristen Walters, …
DOE funding, nuclear approvals lead energy briefs
U.S. Energy Policy & Power Infrastructure U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $175 million in funding for six projects to modernize, retrofit, and extend the useful life of coal-fired power plants serving rural and remote communities across the United States, keeping dependable energy sources online, strengthening grid reliability, and helping keep electricity costs low …
Bill targeting data centers wins subcommittee approval
Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, passed HB 3917 unanimously out of the Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee. The measure requires data centers to pay a surcharge during peak demand periods, protecting residential customers from rate hikes and funding grid modernization. “I want to thank the Committee Chair and Committee for hearing and passing this legislation,” said …
Oklahoma regulators to review battery storage project at Ponca City
Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday and one of the issues to be considered is a proposed battery storage system near Ponca City. Frontier Energy Storage’s project, proposed by Oklahoma Gas and Electric company in its power generation expansion plans has already been opposed by the Attorney General and the Petroleum …
New Mexico environment leader in “mourning” over repeal of EPA rule
While many Oklahoma energy leaders are praising the President’s move last week to repeal the EPA “endangerment finding”, one created in 2009 by the Obama administration, such is not the case in New Mexico where one leader said it is a “moment to mourn.” The state also relies heavily on oil and gas revenues for …