Energy Alliance leader wants state unity in fighting Biden’s war on oil and gas—not different stands

 

The chairman of the Oklahoma Energy Producers Alliance says it’s time two of Oklahoma’s state leaders work together in defending the state’s oil and gas industry and not be different in their stances.

Writing in an opinion piece entitled “Defending Oklahoma’s Energy Sector: A Call for Unity and Strategic Action,” Tom McCasland III applauded the stands of Attorney General Gentner Drummond in defending the oil and gas industry against the Biden administration’s vow to end fossil fuels.

“Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drumond stands as a beacon of resistance against these federal encroachments, challenging the administrations overreach and defending our states energy sector,” wrote McCasland.

But he questioned what appeared to be weak stands taken by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

“Governor Stitts administration, influenced by his Energy Secretary Ken McQueen (former Region Six EPA Administrator), seems to be promoting the Biden administrationgreen new deal” agenda by pushing the same methane regulations General Drummond is legally challenging,” complained McCasland.

He said it’s also time the Governor recalibrated his stance and emgraced a “policy direction that fortifies our energy sector” and safeguards jobs and nurtures Oklahoma’s natural resource wealth.

 

Below is McCasland’s opinion piece.

Title: Defending Oklahomas Energy Sector: A Call for Unity and Strategic Action

Byline: Tom H. McCasland, III Chairman, Oklahoma Energy Producers Alliance

In a 2019 pledge, Joe Biden vowed to end fossil fuels, a stance now manifesting through numerous policies detrimental to the oil and gas industry, critical for Oklahomas economy. The Institute for Energy Research highlights over 150 Biden administration actions against fossil fuels, exacerbating energy costs nationwide and undermining Oklahomas economic stability and job market.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drumond stands as a beacon of resistance against these federal encroachments, challenging the administrations overreach and defending our states energy sector. His efforts merit commendation as they align with the interests of Oklahomas small business oil and gas producers, who must diligently control their costs to profitably extract Oklahomas oil and gas. The Biden administrations federal overreach on regulation combined with their limiting access to drilling is an insidious but effective Death by a Thousand Cuts” strategy to end fossil fuel exploration and production. General Drummond is doing his part to put a serious dent in this scheme.

However, Oklahomas response to these federal policies is not uniformly assertive. Governor Stitts administration, influenced by his Energy Secretary Ken McQueen (former Region Six EPA Administrator), seems to be promoting the Biden administrationgreen new deal” agenda by pushing the same methane regulations General Drummond is legally challenging. Such alignment is also evident in state-level initiatives that echo Bidens punitive environmental regulations, threatening the viability of local oil and gas operations and ignoring the nuanced balance between energy production and environmental stewardship.

A particular point of contention is the states stance on marginal wells. These wells, a cornerstone for many small producers, hold future potential for technological advancements and price recoveries. Labeling them as mere liabilities for expedited plugging overlooks their value as reserves, integral to Oklahomas economic and energy future.

As the state benefits from the boom in horizontal drilling, its crucial that policies reflect a balanced perspective, recognizing both environmental responsibilities and the economic backbone provided by the entire energy sector. The Attorney Generals legal challenges against federal overreach should serve as a model for state policy, advocating for a framework that supports Oklahomas energy independence while ensuring environmental integrity. Its imperative for Governor Stitt to recalibrate his stance, embracing a policy direction that fortifies our energy sector, safeguards jobs, and nurtures our states natural resource wealth.

All of Oklahomas energy producers, both large and small, are integral to our states prosperity. Their success translates into state revenue, job creation, and energy security. As such, their interests and concerns deserve a prominent place in our states policy decisions.

In conclusion, its vital for Oklahoma to chart a path that respects our unique economic landscape and energy heritage. We urge Governor Stitt to align more closely with Attorney General Drumonds efforts, thereby ensuring a robust future for Oklahomas energy industry, one that harmonizes economic growth with environmental prudence.

Source: OEPA release