Xcel Energy Seeks Massive Power Expansion The explosive growth of data centers across the U.S. — including Oklahoma — is reshaping how utilities plan future power generation. One of the biggest examples is Xcel Energy, which recently told Colorado regulators it needs to invest $22 billion to meet new electricity demand. That demand is largely …
Category: General
Tuesday hearing to explore data center water use
A legislator’s exploration into the impact data centers could have on water resources in Oklahoma will be held Tuesday at the State Capitol. Rep. Amanda Clinton (D-Tulsa) and the House Utilities will hold the hearing to explore “The impact of data center expansion on Oklahoma’s water resources and power grid.” The hearing is …
What led to Wyoming’s loss of a nuclear project
As Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners plan to hold another hearing this week on their legislative-required study of nuclear energy development in the state, another state, Wyoming, just lost a nuclear project. The kind of issues that prompted the loss are those that would also be faced, should Oklahoma make a decision to seriously attempt …
Another big data center planned at El Paso
Meta Expands Data Center Investment Technology giant Meta Platforms is expanding its investment in El Paso, Texas, committing $1.5 billion for a new artificial intelligence–optimized data center. The project will employ about 100 full-time workers and occupy a 1,000-acre site near the Texas–New Mexico border. The expanded plan marks a major leap from Meta’s original …
Oklahoma Senators Back Russia Sanctions Bill
Lankford and Mullin Join Bipartisan Push It’s called the Russia Sanctions bill and it has the support of Oklahoma U.S. Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin along with dozens of others on Capitol Hill. It is a weapon proposed by Trump supporters to end the war in Ukraine. S. 1241, authored by Sens. Lindsey Graham …
Stitt, Drummond Clash Over Tyson Pollution Case
Governor Seeks Faster Resolution in Tyson Case Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt recently expressed more differences with Attorney General Gentner Drummond and did so in the long-running federal court case against Tyson Foods over the poultry waste pollution in eastern Oklahoma. Balancing Environmental and Economic Concerns It’s no secret the two are at odds over issues …
Mexican cartel among oilfield thieves in Permian Basin
Rising Crime in the Oil Patch Oilfield thefts are spreading across the Permian Basin, draining profits and endangering small producers from West Texas to southeast New Mexico. Investigators now estimate millions of dollars in losses tied to organized theft rings. The problem gained national attention after authorities arrested five men linked to a Mexican cartel, …
First freeze of the year recorded in Oklahoma Panhandle
Yes, Oklahoma recorded its first freeze of the season over the weekend. Just as we reported last week, there indeed was “frost on the pumpkins.” Gary McManus, State Climatologist with the Oklahoma Mesonet, reported it was the “first freeze in the state up in the Panhandle…first time we’ve seen 32 or below in Oklahoma …
Energy Brief: DOE Loan Boosts Oklahoma Power Lines
DOE Loan Targets Oklahoma Power Line Modernization The U.S. Department of Energy approved a $1.6 billion loan guarantee for American Electric Power (AEP) to modernize 5,000 miles of high-voltage power lines. The upgrades will cross Oklahoma, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. This project will strengthen regional reliability and reduce outages linked to severe weather. …
Summit Carbon Delays Shift Jet Fuel Project North
Oklahoma Ties to Carbon Pipeline Complications Delays in the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline keep reshaping plans across the Midwest. The project includes investment from Oklahoma City energy leader Harold Hamm. His involvement keeps Oklahoma tied to every major turn in this carbon capture story. This week, Gevo Inc. moved a headline project out of South …