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Two New Energy Bills Signed into Law by Governor Fallin
Two more energy-related bills were signed into law this week by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, one concerning wastewater from oil and natural gas wells and the other regarding gross production taxes on those wells. Senate bill 1122, by Senators A.J. Griffin and Eddie Fields and Rep. Kevin Calvey is an act requiring state agencies to …
Drought Eased in Western Oklahoma—-Severe Weather in Next Week’s Forecast
Rainfall this week cut areas of drought in Oklahoma according to the Thursday report of the Oklahoma Mesonet. “We went from 32 percent of the state in drought to 10 percent,” said Gary McManus, State Climatologist. “That seems about right. The only increases were in western Roger Mills and Ellis counties and also over in …
Latest Energy Bankruptcy Involves Solar Giant SunEdison
One of the nation’s latest energy firms to end up in Chapter 11 bankruptcy is SunEdison, considered a solar energy giant in the U.S. The Missouri based company had been dealing with financial problems in the past year and earlier this month admitted it had a $12 billion debt. But in the bankruptcy filing, SunEdison …
144 US House Members Want Answers from EPA Director Over Illegal Funding of Activists
Four Oklahomans in the U.S. House joined 140 other House members this week in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy demanding answers about the EPA’s funding of a website and advocacy campaign to influence Washington State voters for more regulation of farmers and ranchers. Representatives Jim Bridenstine, Tom Cole, Frank Lucas and Markwayne …
First North Dakota Oil Arrives in Netherlands Since Lifting of Export Ban
The first shipment of North Dakota Bakken crude oil since the lifting of a 40-year old ban on exports has arrived in the Netherlands. A tanker carrying 175,000 barrels of oil was unloaded this week in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The ban on oil exports was lifted by Congress and the President in December. The Associated Press …
Lankford Questions Government’s Role in Forcing Energy Improvements
Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford said his opposition this week to a new national energy bill came down to standing by his conservative beliefs and principles when it comes to government spending. “I do have a problem when we ask one taxpayer to pay for the weatherization and energy efficiency of their next-door neighbor and …
Moody’s Oklahoma Projection Not a Shock
The projection offered this week about Oklahoma’s slumping economy from Moody’s Investors Service wasn’t necessarily a shock to state leaders. Nonetheless, it also wasn’t consoling to the governor and legislative leaders as they struggle with a $1.3 billion hole in Oklahoma’s budget for next year. Moody’s released a report indicating Oklahoma’s suffering from declining revenue …
Sen. Lankford Could Not Support New Energy Bill—-Called it Flippant Spending of Taxpayer Dollars
When the U.S. Senate gave overwhelming approval to the nation’s new energy bill, it did not have the support of Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford. “I cannot support legislation that uses taxpayer dollars flippantly,” said the Republican Senator in a statement after the Wednesday morning vote. “The bill encourages an expansion of federal land holdings …
White Star Petroleum Becomes Stand-alone and Makes $200 million Purchase of Devon Energy Assets
Oklahoma City-based American Energy-Woodford LLC announced today it has changed its name to White Star Petroleum LLC as a stand-alone company. At the same time, it is making a $200 million purchase of assets from Devon Energy. Elliot J. Chambers, newly named as Chief Executive Officer, said it means White Star will be fully independent …
Inhofe Says New Energy Bill Will Help Oklahoma’s Energy Industry
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed the nation’s first broad energy bill in years on an 85 to 12 vote, drawing praise from Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. The measure will reportedly align the nation’s oil, gas and electricity infrastructure. “This bill will improve the production, …