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Oil and Gas Industry Feels Breaking of State Promises Just Like Wind Industry
The wrap-up of the 2017 session of the Oklahoma legislature resulted in a bitter response from some oil and gas groups who complained that for the third consecutive year, the oil and gas industry will see tax increases. “The oil and natural gas industry is the single largest tax contributor to the state budget, and …
Rig Counts Grew Again in Past Week
The oil and gas rig counts in Oklahoma and across the nation increased again in the past week with a nationwide count growing by 7 to reach 908. Oklahoma’s count increased by one to reach 123 working oil and gas rigs. Figures from Baker Hughes Company of Houston, Texas and the Red Top Rig report …
Kansas Oil and Gas Company Admits to Fraud Scheme
Sonstone Trading LLC of Pratt, Kansas pleaded guilty this week to an oil and gas fraud scheme. Wichita U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said Sonstone Trading LLC pleaded guilty of one count of wire fraud. As part of the plea deal, charges against Sonstone executive David Lawson were dropped by the prosecution. Also as part of …
Gross Production Tax Remained Focus in Final House Budget Bill Debate
Even as the Oklahoma House debated and questioned the merits of a $6.8 billion budget bill hours before the sine die adjournment required on Friday, the nagging issue of gross production tax on oil and gas was brought up by Democrats. Mustang Rep. Leslie Osborn presented SB 860, the budget bill and for nearly 90 …
Continental Reports 2,100 Barrel a Day Oil Well near Watonga
While billionaire Harold Hamm and his Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources have been bashed by Democratic lawmakers in a fight over gross production taxes, his company has revealed the discovery of a STACK well with production of more than 2,100 barrels of oil a day. A completion report, as shown by OK Energy Today indicated the Swaim …
Anadarko Shuts Down Well That Caused Deadly Home Explosion in Colorado
The company said it is also closing two others in the subdivision. “We are confident these wells would be safe to bring back on production at a future date,” said Craig Walters, the company’s vice president for Rockies operations. “However, we recognize the special circumstances and sensitivity around this particular equipment, and therefore, made the …
Methane Emissions Fight Developing Between Pruitt and Environmental Coalition
More than 60 environmental groups want EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to maintain approaching deadlines for oil and gas operators to cut their emissions of methane. Representing conservation, health, labor and even faith groups, they sent a letter this week to Pruitt. They’re asking he keep in place the Obama-era standards requiring oil and gas companies …
Senator Inhofe Warns Senate of Dangers of Remaining in Paris Climate Agreement
“If we remain in the agreement, we are putting ourselves at significant litigation risk.” Sen. Jim Inhofe on Paris Climate Agreement. Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe is urging President Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, saying if he doesn’t, the nation could be dragged into court by environmentalists who want enforcement of …
Power Firms Rejected Again by Kansas Corporation Commission
The Kansas Corporation Commission decided this week not to a petition for reconsideration of its rejection of a merger between Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy. It was April 19 when the KCC denied approval of Kansas City-based Great Plains Energy’s acquisition of Westar Energy, the largest electrical utility in the state. The two firms …
Despite Oil and Gas Resurgence in North Dakota, Homeless Numbers are Up
While North Dakota officials like to brag about the economic impact of the oil and gas industry in their state, there’s also a dirty little secret. The number of homeless people in the state has increased over the last year, thanks to the industry. Jeannie Messall, director of the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People …