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Pruitt Asked by AGs to Suspend Very Methane Rules He Challenged
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter didn’t skip a beat and picked up where former AG and now EPA Director Scott Pruitt left off in challenging the Environmental Protection Agency. Hunter joined attorneys general from 10 other states this week in filing a request with Pruitt to suspend the Obama administration’s regulations aimed at lowering methane …
Navajos Ask Trump to Keep Coal-Fired Power Plant in Arizona
A dilemma for residents of Northern Arizona. For years, they’ve complained about the pollution caused by the Navajo Generating Station, the largest coal-fired power plant in the western part of the U.S. But now that it is targeted for closing in two years, it is also where many of those complaining residents hold jobs. Hundreds …
State House Gets Bill to Kill Wind Tax Credits in Oklahoma
One of the numerous bills aimed at bringing an end to the millions in tax credits given the wind industry in Oklahoma won approval this week in a State House Committee. House Bill 2298 by Rep. Jon Echols of Oklahoma City was sent to the full house by the House Appropriations and Budget committee. “This …
Legislator Shelves GRDA Bill
A bill that could open the door to the state sale of the Grand River Dam Authority is being shelved this legislative session, according to its author. Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang, announced this week she is pulling the bill which would outline how the state could divest the GRDA if it were to become necessary. …
Continental Resources Hits Large Well in SCOOP
Oklahoma’s SCOOP scores a big well in Grady County. Continental Resources Inc. filed a completion report this week pointing out how the Emery well is producing 1,028 barrels a day along with 1,838 Mcf of gas. The well had a spud date back in July of last year. Drilling was finished in September and completion …
Wind Farms Encountering Rural Opposition
In some areas, there is opposition spreading over the growth of wind energy across the country. A Dallas Morning News op-ed piece this week, taken from the Los Angeles Times was written by Robert Bryce, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He is also the author of “Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper: How Innovation Keeps …
Zinke Confirmed as Interior Secretary
Former Navy Seal Ryan Zinke, a congressman from Montana was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday to be Interior Secretary. It’s the same job Gov. Mary Fallin was interviewed for by President Trump. But she apparently didn’t pass the job interview. Rep. Zinke was confirmed on a 68-31 vote and received the support of …
New Mexico Considers Solar Panels on State Buildings
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, the State Senate’s okayed a move to explore installing solar panels on state buildings. The Senate voted 36-4 this week to direct the state General Services Department to pursue contracts with solar providers. It’s a move to state money on electricity costs over time with no up-front public investment. It …
Pruitt Worries About Water Grants as EPA Faces Deep Cuts
Yet to be determined—whether the Environmental Protection Agency under the control of Scott Pruitt will be slashed by 25 percent as some reports have indicated. Sounds like Pruitt himself doesn’t know for sure, telling reporters Tuesday night he plans to discuss with the White House ways to save part of his agency’s budget including state …
What They Say About Trump’s Energy Topics in State of the Union
Conservatives saw optimism and hope in President Trump’s first State of the Union Address Tuesday night. Democrats sat on their hands. Environmentalists remained sour to what the President wants to do with energy-related issues. Here is how E and E’s Climate Wire described one aspect of the speech: “The speech reaffirmed Trump’s desire to help …