** U.S. President Donald Trump said that his administration would likely stop buying oil from Venezuela and was looking “very strongly” at the South American country. “It was a great country 20 years ago, and now it’s a mess,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office hours after his inauguration. ** Former U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer …
January 2025 archive
Ground broken for Muskogee lithium refinery—largest in the US
Formal groundbreaking ceremonies were held this week in Muskogee for a $1.2 billion lithium refinery by Stardust Power. Construction is expected soon on the refinery which will extract lithium from oil and gas wastewater. Officials say once it’s completed, the refinery will be the largest of its kind in the United States. It will …
Crude oil slips on uncertainty of Trump’s energy moves
A dip in crude oil prices came about in Wednesday’s trading. Analysts explained the market still wonders about President Trump’s proposed tariffs might affect the global economy and demand for energy. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 39 cents or 0.5% to $75.44 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The decline was the …
Mitchell talks energy with Jerry Bohnen—the unknown impact of Trump’s energy orders
What are Scott Mitchell and Jerry Bohnen talking about in their latest “Mitchell Talks Energy” podcast? We discuss the uncertainty over the impact President Trump’s initial executive orders will have on oil and gas producers. Plus how to differentiate between legislation designed to attract media attention versus serious public policy bills.
Legislators answer Supreme Court in their challenge of OGE rate hike
Three state legislators fighting an Oklahoma Gas and Electric fight because of a vote by Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett have responded to a Supreme Court request to show cause why their case should not be dismissed. Reps. Tom Gann, Kevin West and Rick West informed justices their “Interlocutory” filing was made as such because …
Took 2 years but Rep. Lucas sees national security energy issue resolved
Nearly two years after Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas and others on a House Committee complained how a proposed Biden administration regulation to outsource emissions requirements to a controversial foreign entity could create national security issues, the regulation was killed this week by President Donald Trump. It was in March 2023 when Rep. Lucas, as …
ONEOK’s 4Q earnings to be released in February
After reaching $693 million in net income in the third quarter of 2024, ONEOK plans to release the fourth quarter earnings report in February. The release will be made after the close of the market on Feb 24, 2025. It will be followed the next day with a conference call at 10 a.m. central …
Hours and hours below freezing in Oklahoma
Take a gander at the map showing consecutive hours of below freezing temperatures in the state. Oklahoma Climatologist Gary McManus pointed out in his morning update that Slapout, the small community in the Panhandle leads the way with 106 consecutive hours. “Above freezing approacheth, and we’re already an astounding (ASTOUNDING I say!) 44 degrees warmer …
Halliburton had stronger 4Q earnings but flat for all of 2024
Halliburton Company announced improved net income of $615 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024. This compares to net income for the third quarter of 2024 of $571 million, or $0.65 per diluted share. Adjusted net income in the third quarter of 2024, excluding impairments and other charges …
Energy briefs
** A deep freeze is straining power supplies across the eastern US, sending demand on the country’s largest electric grid to an all-time winter high as the South digs out from one of the worst snow storms in 130 years. ** Extreme cold temperatures are disrupting oil and gas production in North Dakota, and it could take …