Author's posts
NY Times Article Prompts Senator to Make Demand of EPA Chief
The New York Times article targeting Scott Pruitt, Devon Energy and Sen. James Lankford for their environmental efforts got the attention of the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Sen. Tom Carper, a Democrat from Delaware, sent a letter to Pruitt, the EPA Administrator wanting information about settlements between Devon Energy …
Pruitt Tells Congressional Coal Caucus “War on Coal is Over”
“The war on coal is over.” It’s what EPA Chief Scott Pruitt told the Congressional Coal Caucus on Monday as he met with members to discuss a Trump administration budget that cuts funding for environmental and climate protections. Pruitt told the lawmakers that energy generators would not have to choose between pro-energy and pro-growth. “This …
Lankford and Warren—–Lifting the Veil of Secrecy in Government
If Senators James Lankford and Elizabeth Warren get their way, the public will know every detail of legal environmental and enforcement settlements by federal agencies. Too often, some details of such settlements have to be uncovered either by snoopy reporters or environmentalists. In what some might describe as “The Odd Couple,” the Republican Lankford and …
Pruitt’s First 100 Days as Head of the EPA
As EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt observes 100 days in office, the national press has been exploring what he’s done to the giant agency. Those who believe deeply in climate change think he’s been a disaster. Others, such as Business Insider compared Pruitt’s first 100 days to those of other administrators of the Environmental Protection …
Gasoline Prices Hold Steady in Oklahoma
Oklahoma gasoline prices stayed nearly the same in the pas week, reaching an average of $2.10 a gallon, a penny jump, according to AAA Oklahoma. The $2.10 average is down 7 cents from one month ago. Tulsa’s average is $2.04, unchanged from last week. The average in Oklahoma City is $2.10, up a penny from …
How Red Dirt Music Star Was Tied to Oil Billionaire
Red dirt music star Jimmy LaFave died over the weekend in Austin, Texas. He was 61 and grew up in Stillwater where he got his start in music while in high school. What’s his connection to energy? He co-founded Music Road Records nine years ago with the help of Dallas oil billionaire Kelcy Warren, founder …
How Devon’s Larry Nichols Got Involved in State Budget Talks
Some clarification has been made regarding the weekend budget talks and how Devon Energy’s Larry Nichols became involved. The talks were behind closed doors and involved Democratic and Republican House and Senate leaders along with Gov. Mary Fallin. At one point, the governor put in a phone call to Nichols, chairman emeritus at Devon Energy …
Devon, Pruitt and Lankford Targeted by NY Times Article
Devon Energy, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and U.S. Sen. James Lankford are targets of a new political piece by the New York Times, accusing the three of working to overturn climate rules and regulations aimed at controlling the oil and gas industry. Entitled “How Rollbacks at Scott Pruitt’s E.P.A. Are a Boon to Oil and …
63-year old Natural Gas Pipeline Being Replaced Under Arkansas River
Two years after a natural gas pipeline ruptured under the Arkansas river between Little Rock and North Little Rock, a replacement line is going to be installed. And the developer maintains the new line will be much safer. The 3,100-foot line will replace the 63-year old pipeline that ruptured May 231, 2015 near the Clinton …
Drone Bill Passed by State House and Returned to State Senate
The bill requiring utility companies to obtain permission before flying drones over private property was back before the Oklahoma State House on Saturday during the rare weekend meeting. House Bill 1326, authored by Rep. Casey Murdock (Felt-R) had been changed in the Senate but Representatives rejected them and approved the measure a second time on …