Energy Brief: Policy, Power, and Global Markets U.S. plans $12B critical minerals stockpile President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will build a $12 billion stockpile of rare earth elements and other critical minerals to counter reliance on China, using a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and nearly $2 billion in private funds. …
February 2026 archive
Most of $4.4 billion meant for national EV charging network “unspent” after 4 years
Remember the $4.4 billion Congress approved during the Biden administration to create electric vehicle charging stations on U.S. highways? A recent report revealed only 2 percent set aside four years ago has been spent. Oklahoma, while not among the five states that have spent none of the money, is close to joining the ranks …
FERC approves Williams Southeast pipeline expansion
FERC approves Williams pipeline expansion in Southeast Oklahoma’s Williams Cos. scored another win from federal regulators who have approved an expansion of a natural gas pipeline in Virginia and North Carolina. Critics argued against the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) but the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted to approve the project and issued a 61-page …
Expanded utility power projects opposed
Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners to Hear Utility Cost Requests Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners have been asked to decide two significant utility requests for costs associated with their expanded energy generation projects and in each case, it could have a direct impact on the electric bills of residential ratepayers. They will join an administrative law judge in a …
Regulators to consider monitoring OGE bidding process
OCC Division Seeks Independent Oversight of OG&E Bidding Process A division of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission wants to closely monitor Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company’s competitive bidding in its growing electric generation projects. It is not considered an unusual move but simply another tool in making sure consumers have a watchdog on their side. The …
Lankford targets energy waste in new Federal Fumbles report
Sen. Lankford targets energy spending in ninth “Federal Fumbles” report Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford released the ninth edition of his “Federal Fumbles” report, a recurring publication that highlights federally funded projects he argues demonstrate wasteful spending, inefficiencies, fraud, and improper payments across the federal government. Energy-related programs were among those cited in the report, …
Crude oil falls 5% on easing of standoff with Iran
Oil Prices Slide as Iran Tensions Ease, Gas Plunges Crude prices retreat after strong January gains After posting their biggest monthly gains since 2022, crude oil prices dropped sharply Monday as geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran appeared to ease. Iran is the largest member of the OPEC+ alliance, and any sign of …
Energy Briefs: Pipelines, Nuclear Power, Emissions
FERC approves Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved Transco’s Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, clearing the way for expanded natural gas pipeline capacity serving Virginia and North Carolina as utilities work to meet growing demand. South Dakota governor seeks funding to study nuclear energy South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, …
Staghorn Meets Residents After Blanchard Oil Well Blowout
Staghorn Petroleum Meets With Families After Blanchard Well Blowout The operator of an oil well that blew out near Blanchard last week has begun meeting directly with residents who were forced to evacuate their homes following the incident. According to KFOR TV, representatives from Staghorn Petroleum started holding meetings Monday with affected families as part …
Oklahoma Bill Targets Climate Lawsuits Against Oil Companies
Oklahoma Bill Seeks to Shield Oil and Gas Firms From Climate Lawsuits A bill filed ahead of the Oklahoma Legislature’s 2026 session aims to significantly limit civil lawsuits against oil and gas companies, particularly those alleging responsibility for climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Security and Independence Act Introduced Senate Bill 1439, filed by …