Republican gubernatorial hopeful Chip Keating says “energy security is national security” and to make his point, he is launching an effort to build a Trump National Laboratory for Energy and National Security in Oklahoma.
In announcing his plan, he said the national laboratory would be designed to anchor innovation and keep companies started in Oklahoma and built in the state stay in the state.
“After Devon Energy and Expand, formerly Chesapeake, announced they’re moving HQ to Houston, it’s clear—Oklahoma must think bigger,” he said in his announcement. Keating called his project a cornerstone initiative of his administration aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s economic future and national security footprint.
“Energy security is national security,” Keating said. “For generations, Oklahoma has powered America. Now, Oklahoma will lead her future.”
Keating explained his proposed laboratory would focus on energy innovation, advanced computing, and aerospace and defense systems. He described it as part of a broader vision to secure the state’s long-term economic leadership and ensure the companies founded in the state keep growing and remaining in Oklahoma.
“These are companies built here, grown here, and supported by Oklahoma workers,” Keating added. “We have the resources to be the energy capital of America; we can’t become a place where companies start, but don’t stay. We have to be a state that invites innovation and investment right here at home.”
The announcement follows recent changes in Oklahoma’s energy sector. In recent weeks, two major Oklahoma-based companies, Devon Energy and Expand (formerly Chesapeake), announced plans to relocate their headquarters to Houston.
He said if he’s elected governor, he pledged to pursue federal designation and partnership for the Trump National Laboratory for Energy and National Security. At the same time, he promised to align Oklahoma’s economic development resources behind the initiative.
Keating, the son of former Gov. Frank Keating, said he would direct CareerTech to develop workforce credential in advanced energy systems and also work with lawmakers to ensure statewide support.
“When the center of national energy and security innovation is in Oklahoma, companies will stay here, capital stays here, and jobs stay here. Oklahoma’s time is now,” Keating concluded.
If established, Keating says the laboratory would represent the most ambitious economic and national security initiative in state history, serving as a long-term anchor for corporate headquarters, high-paying jobs and technological leadership in Oklahoma.