It took Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt about 38 minutes to deliver his fourth state of the state address on Monday to the Oklahoma legislature….and there was no mention of Oklahoma’s energy industry.
Not one word about oil and gas, wind, solar power and their contributions to the state’s healthy economy. While he spoke of positioning Oklahoma to continue its momentum to becoming a top ten state, Gov. Stitt praised the state’s pro-business policies, saying they are already paying dividends.
The governor’s closest reference to energy came during his repeated opposition and criticism of the U.S. Supreme Court McGirt decision and a reference to working to protect law and order and limit the impacts of this decision. He identified “environmentalists; The Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma” as among those who belong to a broad coalition supporting him.
He pointed to the decision by electric vehicle maker Canoo to locate a new manufacturing plant in Pryor and bring 2,000 jobs to the state.
“Since Canoo’s initial announcement, it’s added a technology hub, software development, customer support and financing centers to Oklahoma. That’s at least 700 more high-paying jobs for our state,” said the governor in his speech to a joint session of the state House and Senate.
Gov. Stitt offered praise for the state’s fiscal responsibility and criticism for Washington and its handling of the national economy.
“Inflation is at a forty-year high. Gas and groceries are more expensive. Supply chain issues have made everything harder to find. But if you live in Oklahoma, it’s a different story,” Stitt said.
Click here to view speech text provided by News on 6.