At the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s June meeting, ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz and ODOT Safety Consultant Tanner Mikles awarded field crews who demonstrated a continued commitment to safety throughout the past year. The Governor’s Safety Excellence Award is presented annually to the ODOT field district with the best overall safety record over the past …
June 2024 archive
Rep. Lucas “extremely disappointed” in weather agency’s budget action
The same week that the National Weather Service reported there had been 100 tornadoes in Oklahoma so far this year along with several fatalities, a U.S. House Committee opened hearings into funding for the agency under which the Weather Service falls. Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas, who chairs the House Committee on Science, Space and …
Bitcoin mining could lead to big competition for electricity in Permian Basin
Oil and gas operators in the Permian Basin, yes, including those Oklahoma firms operating there, will soon find themselves in competition with bitcoin mining and data centers—competition for electricity. Electricity demand in the Permian will more than double by 2030 compared to 2021, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Within the next …
2024 Impact Awards handed out by OERB
The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board recently announced the recipients of the organization’s 2024 Impact Awards. They were honored for making “a significant impact on our programs and our industry,” stated the OERB. Land Restoration Partnership Award Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Osage Bureau of Indian Affairs and Osage Conservation District Before the OERB begins any …
Falling demand for diesel fuel—a reflection of the US economy
It started a year ago and continues this year—less demand for diesel fuel to run 18-wheel rigs up and down the nation’s highways. It’s another sign of a slumping U.S. economy. When there is less demand for goods and products, it is only natural there is less of a need for diesel fuel …
Gasoline prices are falling after Memorial Day travel
Gasoline prices have fallen across Oklahoma and the rest of the nation following the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. While the nationwide average is $3.51 per gallon, according to AAA, Oklahoma’s average is $3.03. The statewide average dropped 4 cents in the past week and is 17 cents lower than a month earlier. The national …
From natural gas marketing to solar energy—Macquarie Energy
Macquarie, the Houston firm accused of market manipulation of natural gas prices in Kansas and Oklahoma during the 2021 winter storm, is investing millions in solar energy. As reported by Business Wire this week, the asset management arm of Macquarie Group is backing renewable-energy company Sol Systems with an $85 million debt investment, riding a wave …
Governors tell Biden his energy policies are hurting Americans and helping foreign adversaries
Oklahoma Gov. Kevn Stitt joined other Republican governors this week in New Orleans who sent a letter to President Biden asking him to deregulate the oil and gas industry. And they didn’t hold back on their criticism of his anti-oil and gas policies. “As governors, we are extremely concerned with the impacts your energy …
Energy briefs
** The global natural gas market is estimated to grow by 50% over the next 5 years, a new Goldman Sachs research paper estimated, as investment in oil becomes less attractive and shifts toward short-term projects. The bank estimated that the United States will lead the market for liquified natural gas supply, and that the added capacity could …
Approaching summer creates questions about electric grids
(Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP, File) As the summer approaches across the U.S., there is growing discussion and reports about whether electric grids can meet the demands. As OK Energy Today reported this week, the Southwest Power Pool, which includes Oklahoma as one of its 14-member states, indicated it will not have major problems …