Tuesday’s elections weren’t just about “energy” in Oklahoma, for example with the election of Brian Bingman as the newest Corporation Commissioner.
The decisive re-election of former President Donald Trump will have an impact on Oklahomans and others,especially in the form of his “drill baby drill” oil and gas theme. The industry obviously has questions about when his promotion of oil and gas will take place. And if it does, how will it affect the industry.
Across the country, there were countless other energy-related elections. With help from E&E News, we’ve collected some of the headlines.
Michigan Democrats’ state government trifecta, which fueled major clean energy policy advances, is upended as Republicans take control of the state House, while Minnesota Democrats’ trifecta remained uncertain as of Wednesday morning. (Detroit News, Star Tribune)
South Dakota voters overturn a recent state law that critics say created favorable regulations for carbon pipeline development, though a developer vows to move forward with its project. (Sioux Falls Live)
West Virginia governor and coal magnate Jim Justice wins election to the U.S. Senate, flipping a longtime Democratic seat currently held by retiring Sen. Joe Manchin.
Louisiana voters overwhelmingly approve a ballot measure to set aside revenue from offshore wind development for coastal projects such as barrier island restoration and wetlands rebuilding. (Louisiana Illuminator)
Incumbent Christi Craddick, a Republican, won re-election to the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil industry, against a field of four challengers. Craddick has faced criticism after a 2023 report that her family has earned millions from oil and gas rights. (Texas Tribune)
A Washington measure to repeal restrictions on natural gas and prevent cities from banning the fuel in buildings appears poised to narrowly pass. (Washington State Standard)
Honolulu voters pass an initiative to dedicate a portion of property tax revenues to climate change mitigation and clean energy development. (Hawaii Civil Beat, state elections board)
Tribal nations worry the second Trump administration will kill funding for efforts to bring clean power to off-grid reservation homes. (E&E News)
Rhode Island voters approve a $53 million green economy bond bill, which includes $15 million to help develop the Port of Davisville into an offshore wind hub. (Rhode Island Current)