March 10, 2025 archive

AARP wages campaign against PSO seeking regulatory approve to buy $730 million gas plant

  While a Corporation Commission judge heard testimony in the $730 million acquisition of a gas plant by Public Service Company of Oklahoma, it was opposed by the AARP. State Director Sean Voskuhl said if the Corporation Commission were to approve the purchase announced last fall, it would put more burden on PSO customers with …

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Brent and WTI crude oil closed below $70 mark

  Growing fears that U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China might slow economies and result in less demand for oil sent crude oil prices down 1% on Monday. The losses represented the seventh consecutive weekly decline and the longest losing streak since November 2023 for WTI while Brent dropped for a third straight week. …

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March tornado count in Oklahoma up to 13

  Oklahoma is already up to 13 tornadoes from March 4 . Oklahoma Climatologist Gary McManus took note in his latest Mesonet newsletter. “Holy twisters, that’s a lot more than I thought originally! All weak, thank goodness, but not a good omen for the rest of the spring I’m thinking.” He says it already puts March …

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Another broadband expansion project to be launched

The Oklahoma Broadband Office will officially launch broadband expansion projects with internet service provider Pioneer Telephone Cooperative to improve access to high-speed internet service in two south central Oklahoma counties (Garvin and Jefferson). These projects will enhance digital access to provide economic opportunities for residents and businesses in the area. Event Details: What: Launch event …

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Energy briefs

**  Ontario’s premier, the leader of Canada’s most populous province, announced that effective Monday it is charging 25% more for electricity to 1.5 million Americans in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war. Ontario provides electricity to Minnesota, New York and Michigan. ** U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Monday that global warming is a side effect of building …

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Supreme Court won’t hear climate change lawsuit by Drummond and 18 other attorneys general

  The U.S. Supreme Court decided Monday it won’t hear a lawsuit filed by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and 18 other attorneys general in a challenge to climate change lawsuits brought by Democratic-led states against the oil and gas industry. Drummond and the other attorneys general filed suit last spring contending California and four …

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Oklahoma’s Cana Woodford sees gain in drilling activity

    Oklahoma’s Cana Woodford play is one of only two oil and gas plays across the nation to see a gain in drilling activity over the past week. Based on the weekly rig report from Baker Hughes Co., the Cana’s rig count increased one to a total 22 rigs. The other play to see …

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Lankford fights US reliance on China for critical minerals

  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) reintroduced the Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Taskforce Act to decrease the United States’ reliance on adversarial nations like China for critical minerals. “The United States should not depend on communist China to keep our critical mineral supply chain running. Relying on China for critical minerals means relying on our adversary for …

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Raising utility rates in the middle of construction projects?

  Allowing utilities to raise rates during construction projects was recently defeated in Arkansas. But it remains alive in the Oklahoma legislature and in Missouri opponents are calling it a “cash grab” by utilities. Click here for Missouri Independent  

Wind farm setback bill faces questions

  Rep. Trey Caldwell’s bill to expand the state’s required setback for wind turbines in Oklahoma is running into some opposition. His effort, HB2751, according to the legislator, is more of an attempt at reaching a middle ground. Click here for Fox 25 News