Lithium battery developer Stardust Power Inc. announced its acquisition of a 66-acre site in Muskogee as it prepares to construct what it described as “one of North America’s largest lithium refineries.” Headquartered in Connecticut, the company called it a key acquisition that marks another significant milestone for its operations. The acquisition positioned Stardust Power …
December 2024 archive
DEQ wants input on proposed rules
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is requesting stakeholder input in advance of policy development. Input is requested by February 3, 2025. DEQ is requesting input on policies that will be incorporated into state rules and, eventually, state 111(d) plans. Documents clarifying the requests for input are now available: Oil and Natural Gas Sector …
Kansas Governor makes water protection a major goal in 2025
When the Kansas legislature convenes in early 2025, Representatives and Senators will face some pressure from Gov. Laura Kelly to do something about—-water. In a recent interview with the Kansas Reflector, she said she want the coming legislature to “broaden commitment to a bipartisan, multigenerational investment in protection of the state’s water supply.” …
Gulfport’s latest share buyback effort totaled $13 million
Gulfport Energy just announced a buyback of nearly $13 million in shares from stockholder, Silver Point Capital, L.P. as part of its $1 billion buyback effort. The Oklahoma City energy company said the purchase agreement was made Dec. 19 and in the deal, Gulfport agreed to purchase 79,410 shares at a price of $162.81 …
Scott Mitchell’s Christmas podcast with Jerry Bohnen
We’re not Scrooge for Christmas, it’s just that in forms of energy gifts, we talk about growing opposition to transmission lines, wind and more corporation commission dramas.
Opponents to Cimarron Link transmission line say ‘land grab” fight isn’t finished
When Gov. Stitt, the attorney general, legislative leaders and others in the state recently challenged a proposed Energy Department transmission line across Oklahoma, they labeled it as a “land grab.” The Energy Department cancelled the project last week. But the land grab fight is far from over, in the eyes of some landowners who …
Legislators not giving up…taking their Todd Hiett fight back to Supreme Court
The three legislators seeking help from the courts in prohibiting Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett from voting on rate cases for PSO, OGE, ONG aren’t giving up. Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola; Kevin West, R-Moore; and Rick West, R-Heavener, filed an appeal Dec. 19 with the State Supreme Court over the commission’s $127 million rate …
Enel Green Power to fight judge’s order to remove wind turbines
Green power company, Enel Green Power plans on appealing a federal judge’s ruling ordering Enel to remove 84 wind turbines built without permission in Osage County. The judge gave the company one year to remove the turbines, a move that Enel estimates will cost $300 million. “Although we respect the decision of …
Government predicts data centers to consume more electricity
The growth of data centers and AI across the U.S. will result in their increased demand for electricity in the next few years and the Department of Energy predicts it will triple by 2028. It also claims renewable energy will be able to meet the demand. Demand already tripled in the past decade …
Norman Senator files bill for more transparency in Turnpike Authority projects
The recent increase in turnpike tolls in Oklahoma prompted Norman Sen. Lisa Standridge to file a bill to give the legislature more say in such decisions. Her Senate Bill 80, according to a release by the Senator, would increase transparency and public involvement in the Turnpike Authority’s projects. The proposed bill would establish clear …