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Energy briefs
** OG&E announced that on December 3, 2025, Mr. Donnie O. Jones, Vice President – Utility Operations of OG&E, notified OGE Energy that he plans to retire at year-end 2026. ** The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $11 million in awards to five U.S. companies to develop and license new or modified transportation …
Judge strikes down President’s ban on new wind projects
Months after 17 states sued the President over his ban of new wind power projects in the U.S., a Federal judge this week struck down the sweeping ban. Some called it a “major victory” for the wind industry after judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled the …
Land Commission’s data center decision delay frustrates Governor
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt admits he is frustrated over the lack of action on possible development of the state’s newest proposed data center which would be on state-owned land near Lawton. “You’re supposed to lease them,” said the governor in response to an inquiry by Oklahoma Watch. “You put them out to bid, and …
Broadband group to consider early sunset
Two years after the Oklahoma Broadband Expansion Council was created to make recommendations to the State Broadband Office, its chairman is talking of “sunsetting” the body. The issue is on the agenda for the Wednesday morning meeting of the Expansion Council. Item number 5 states, “Discussion and possible action on recommending early sunset of …
7-Eleven hit with major FTC fine
7-Eleven hit with record $4.5 million FTC fine over fuel outlet acquisition The 7-Eleven company found out the hard way the consequences of not following rules of the Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week it fined 7-Eleven, Inc. and its parent company, Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., $4.5 million …
Rare Permian Basin Plant Could Impact Oil and Gas Drilling
Endangered Species Protection Sought for New Mexico Flower Threatened by Fossil Fuel Industry Oklahoma oil and gas drillers and others active in the Permian Basin of west Texas and southeast New Mexico could soon face another regulatory challenge if a national environmental nonprofit succeeds in its latest legal push. The Center for Biological Diversity has …
ODOT Names Kendal Theisen as New State Traffic Engineer
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has announced Kendal Theisen as the agency’s new State Traffic Engineer, a leadership role responsible for shaping the future of traffic engineering, enforcement, education, safety, and operations programs statewide. In her new position, Theisen will develop and implement traffic-related engineering programs designed to improve safety and mobility across Oklahoma’s transportation …
Electricity—world’s largest energy employer
Electricity Sector Now Leads Global Energy Employment The growing emphasis and importance of electric utilities and the power they generate in Oklahoma mirrors a much broader global shift now unfolding across nearly every major economy in the world. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that the electricity sector is now the world’s largest energy employer, …
Natural gas to play major role in NextEra/Google deals
Natural Gas Plays Key Role in Power Strategy This week’s announcement of a major power agreement by NextEra Energy with Google, Meta, Exxon Mobil and other companies to build infrastructure for the AI boom involves several projects throughout the Midwest and even the Southwest Power Pool, the regional grid operator that includes Oklahoma. As details …
Legislator goes non-stop in challenging Hiett’s voting
One of the three legislators who went to the State Supreme Court in an attempt to stop Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett from voting on certain utility rate cases is making a full-court press by filing a large number of claims and complaints in the cases before the state regulators. One of the cases (2025-000038) …