An effort has been launched in the Oklahoma state Senate this legislative session to expand the size of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and to term limit members. But it would require a vote of the people to change the state constitution.
Sen. Mark Allen (R-Spiro) introduced Senate Joint Resolution 14 which would add two members to the Commission and allow the governor to appoint them. Voters would not have a say in the selection of the two commissioners, under Sen. Allen’s proposal.
Under SJR 14, the two appointees would “serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The resolution would also term-limit all Corporation Commissioners to 12 years.
OK Energy Today attempted to get a response from Sen. Allen about the measure but he did not respond to our emailed questions.
The term limit effort would affect commissioners like Bob Anthony who was sworn into office earlier this month and has been a commissioner for 30 years.
Sen. Allen, who is President of Allen Rathole Inc. sits on the Executive Committee of the state Energy Council, a non-profit organization promoting a balanced national energy strategy and related environmental policies. He also chairs the Senate Energy Committee and is vice-chair of the Senate Rules Committee.
The Senator’s District 4 covers Sequoyah county and the northern half of LeFlore county.