February 1, 2025 archive

ODOT plans $12 million rehab of I-40 bridges

  Interstate drivers in Oklahoma City—get ready! Some major bridge work will begin Monday on I-40, according to the state Transportation Department. It is a $12million project. Plans to rehabilitate the structurally deficient eastbound and westbound I-40 bridges over I-44 are underway as drivers will notice message boards in the area. Starting at 8 a.m. …

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Transportation Commissioners to meet Monday

  The new Oklahoma legislative session will be on the topic Monday when the Oklahoma Transportation Commission holds its February meeting. Items to be addressed at the meeting: The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be presented an industry award for the US-281/Route 66 Bridgeport “Pony” Bridge in Canadian County, completed in advance of the 2026 …

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Scott Mitchell talks energy with Jerry Bohnen—tariffs and Todd Hiett

  Tariffs or no tariffs…..and a review of the investigation of Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. It’s among the topics of today’s Scott Mitchell talks energy with Jerry Bohnen.

RareEarth’s Stillwater lab develops first rare earth magnets

(Image courtesy of USA Rare Earth). USA Rare Earth, LLC, a company building a domestic rare earth magnet supply chain from mine to magnet, announced a major milestone in January – the successful production of its first batch of sintered permanent rare earth magnets at its new cutting-edge Innovations Lab currently under development in Stillwater, …

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Stripper Well Association backs Trump’s tariff threats

  Stripper well leaders have come out in support of President Trump’s plan to put a tariff on foreign crude oil production including Canada and Mexico. The National Stripper Well Association, once headed by Darlene Wallace of Seminole, Oklahoma, came out this week praising Trump for his leadership and highlighting the importance of curbing flows …

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Congressman Cole announces $26 million in tornado relief for southern Oklahoma recreation area

  Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole says he’s obtained nearly $26 million in tornado relief for damages from 2024 storms that hit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. It will come through the National Park Service. In a recent newsletter to his constituents, the long-time Republican Representative announced the $25.97 million in funds. “This funding will be …

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Energy briefs

** Executives from a dozen U.S. power companies urge the Trump administration to roll back federal regulations on coal ash disposal and rescind recent enforcement action. ** Artificial intelligence companies pair with a Japanese investment firm to announce a sprawling data center complex with a 200 MW substation in Texas, which will be the first part of …

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