Colorado has run into opposition over its plan to close all six of its remaining coal-fired power plants by 2031. The Environmental Protection Agency says “not so fast!” It contends the proposed move would threaten grid reliability and also be in violation of federal law. The EPA made known its stand on the …
July 2025 archive
Oil and gas groups urge US House for swift action on permitting reforms
Eight oil and natural gas trade groups called on the U.S. House of Representatives this week to “take swift action on permitting reform,” otherwise, delays will only threaten the nation’s economic growth. In a letter to Chairman Bruce Westerman ahead of an oversight hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee, the coalition underscored the need to streamline …
Electricity production declined in April in many countries around the world
When it comes to worldwide electricity generation, there was a nearly 8% decline in April compared to April 2024, reported the International Energy Agency, an energy forum comprised of 29 industrialized countries under the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD). In April 2025, total net electricity generation in the OECD reached 833.8 …
Nation’s data center growth spurs questions about ethics responsibilities
So many data centers are being built or proposed around the nation, including in Oklahoma that it raises questions about the ability of utilities to meet the demand for electrical power and for water. The growth also raises questions of responsibility when it comes to the environment. The U.S. Department of Energy contends the …
Entergy to build new Arkansas gas plant
Entergy Arkansas has unveiled plans for a new 754-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in south central Arkansas, replacing a coal-fired plant that will stop burning coal in 2028. The proposed Jefferson Power Station will replace the White Bluff power plant, known for having one of the tallest chimneys in the world at 1,001 …
Energy briefs
** Fervo Energy, a startup that specializes in geothermal energy, has started using the same horizontal drilling strategy that revolutionized oil drilling decades ago. The technique not only drills sideways, but it also drills deeper to access a different reserve of heat energy that was previously unavailable. ** General Motors calls EVs its “north star” …
Oklahoma Broadband Office continues historic investment streak
This week, the Oklahoma Broadband Office is conducting it’s Benefit of the Bargain round for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Companies with technologies ranging from fiber-optics to Low-Earth Orbit satellite are allowed to apply for funding. Oklahoma has over 40,000 homes, businesses, farms and Community Anchor Institutions without access to reliable, high-speed internet. “This is an exciting …
Evergy moves ahead with coal-delivery fight against BNSF railway
Evergy’s fight with BNSF railway over a failure to deliver coal to its power plants in 2022 just jumped in value. The Kansas utility now claims $55 million in damages, not the $22 million as OK Energy Today first reported in June. The firm went to the Surface Transportation Board in 2024 and …
Sandridge Energy expands size of board of directors with appointment of Carl Icahn’s son
The Board of Directors at SandRidge Energy, Inc. has been increased from five to six members. The decision was reached July 18 and according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the new board member is Brett Icahn. His appointment will be effective Aug. 1, 2025. The 45-year old Icahn, a …
Baker Hughes saw increased adjusted net income in 2Q and data center demand was behind some of it
Baker Hughes had a strong second quarter with $623 million in adjusted net income, an increase of 22% from the previous quarter and 10% more than a year ago, largely because of improved productivity. Adjusted earnings per share totaled 63 cents beating the estimate of 55 cents from analysts. The company also declared …