The US Supreme Court has blocked the federal “Good Neighbor” rule after requests from three states, energy companies, and industry groups that it be paused. Part of the Clean Air Act, the rule is aimed at reducing air pollution and harmful smog that can travel into neighboring states. Thursday’s vote was 5-4. The rule will …
Category: General
Oklahoma City voters will be asked to approve a light rail plan next year
Voters in Oklahoma City will be asked to approve a light rail plan for a route between Will Rogers World Airport and the downtown area next year. The Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma has approved the plan. It would be part of a network that includes service to Tinker Air Force Base and a …
US Senate probes suspected collusion among domestic oil producers
The US Senate budget committee has launched an investigation into suspected collusion among 18 domestic oil producers. Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips are among the companies targeted. The Federal Trade Commission barred former Pioneer Natural Resources CEO Scott Sheffield from taking a seat on Exxon’s board of directors last month based on allegations he tried to …
API sues, says new federal standards effectively ban new liquid fuel-powered vehicles
The American Petroleum Institute is part of a federal lawsuit filed over new fuel economy and efficiency standards from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those standards were finalized earlier this month. The suit alleges they effectively ban new liquid fuel-powered vehicles by requiring mileage rates to be improved by 2% per year starting in …
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner answers key questions about homeowners program
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready is answering some key questions about the state program for homeowners. Governor Kevin Stitt signed the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act in May. The legislation is aimed at helping Oklahomans fortify their homes and reduce their homeowners’ insurance rates. The new law goes into effect November 1st. Continue reading
OG&E Moves Forward With Rate Increase Before Receiving Approval
Oklahoma Gas and Electric reports it is moving forward with a rate increase that is still pending approval by the state Corporation Commission. Current rules allow moves like that one and this isn’t the first. OG&E settled earlier this month with parties opposed to the rate change request. The Oklahoman reports the AARP is the …
Love’s cuts funding ties to Oklahoma Pride Alliance over Free Palestine support
Oklahoma City-based Loves Travel Stops Company won’t sponsor this year’s Oklahoma PrideFest and Parade because the organizers embraced the Free Palestine stance. The Oklahoma City Public School District did the same thing, pull its support of the parade. Loves was clear why it opposed funding the parade. “—Love’s made the decision last week …
EPA finally settles lawsuit over 2015 Gold King mine blowout
It was nine years ago when an EPA project in southern Colorado led to the disastrous event that became known as the Gold King Mine blowout, where millions of gallons of acid mine waste were released in to the Animas River. It not only caused an environmental disaster in Southern Colorado but in New …
Nearly half of EV owners “regret” their switch from gas cars
Here’s an eye-opener about EV owners. A new survey says nearly half of the owners of electric vehicles in the U.S. aren’t happy with their purchase and regret making the switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs. Released this month, the Mobility Consumer Pulse for 2024 conducted by McKinsey & Co., the survey found that …
Energy briefs
** Here’s where more of your money is going. The Biden administration announced Wednesday $375 million in funding for renewable energy projects, predominantly through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The funding, announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, includes $275 million through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, an IRA program devoted to renewable electrification in rural …