** The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to end Energy Star, a program whose iconic blue labels have certified the energy efficiency of home appliances for more than three decades, as part of its broader reorganization, two sources briefed on the reorganization told Reuters. ** House Speaker Mike Johnson says the $7,500 federal EV tax …
May 2025 archive
AARP launches campaign urging Governor to veto SB998
While the author of the controversial Senate bill 998 contends it will result in lower electrical rates in Oklahoma, the AARP has come out urging Gov. Kevin Stitt to veto it. The bill won approval Tuesday in the state House and was sent to the governor but the AARP immediately labeled it as …
Worried about utility bills? You’re not alone
While electricity bills were the focus of debate this week in the Oklahoma House of Representatives (i.e. SB998), a new national study shows what many Oklahomans already knew…many are worried about their utility bills because the rates are outside their control. The Arbor survey was conducted in early 2025 among 500 adults across the U.S. …
Oklahoma Houses passes bill to allow utilities to raise rates immediately on construction projects
The Oklahoma House on Tuesday ignored the opposition of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and warnings that ratepayers will be “on the hook” for costs of utility construction projects while they are underway, and it approved SB998. The bill, with slight changes by author Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon was one that drew opposition from …
A strong first quarter reported by Devon Energy
Devon Energy’s first quarter earnings came in better than analyst expectations and it was a result of strong oil production and cost management by the Oklahoma City energy company. At the same time, Devon raised its full-year production forecast and lowered capital expenditure guidance. First quarter earnings for Oklahoma City’s Devon Energy actually …
Roller coaster crude oil prices gained nearly 3% on Tuesday
Wait a day and crude oil prices will bounce one way or the other and such was the case on Tuesday when prices rose about 3% because of indications for higher demand in Europe and China combined with lower production in the U.S. Also adding to the jump was the continued tensions in …
Anthony worries about graft and corruption in state government
Looking back on his 36 years as an Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner, the longest of any utility regulator in the U.S., Bob Anthony stressed to a crowd of nearly 150 who gathered Monday night to honor his service, that honesty was critical to good government and it is the challenge that still exists in …
Utah’s increased oil production depends on US Supreme Court decision
While Supreme Court Justices are weighing a fight against a proposed oil train carrying crude from Utah’s Uinta Basin across Colorado and eventually to points such as Oklahoma’s Cushing Hub and refineries in Texas, Utah’s crude oil production reached records in 2024. A recent University of Utah report showed Utah produced 65 million …
Colorado launches ski train service in the mountains
While Oklahomans are focused on saving Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer in the wake of some concerns about its funding, Colorado is preparing to launch rail passenger service to ski towns and sites in the west and northwest mountains. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a 25-year agreement this week with Union Pacific to resume passenger service …
Increased earnings reported by ONE Gas in 1Q
ONE Gas, Inc. announced first quarter financial results showing increased net income due in part to increased rate hikes compared to a year earlier and at the same time its subsidiaries are asking to rate increases in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Income was $119.4 million or $1.98 per share compared with $99.3 million …