Nearly six years after Ruby Montoya joined protesters of the Dakota Access Pipeline and tried to destroy it, she was sentenced this week to six years in federal prison. Sentencing came in federal court in Des Moines, Iowa where Montoya was also ordered to pay $3 million restitution to the owner of the controversial …
Oklahoma energy stocks fell as crude oil made a 1% gain on Thursday
Crude oil managed a 1% gain on Thursday while Oklahoma energy stocks went the other way, recording losses, including a 16% drop by one firm. The gain in crude came as investors focused on Russian oil supply concerns and growing Chinese demand. At the same time, the Bank of England didn’t raise interest rates …
Lucas demands answers from the White House about science advisor
Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas still wants some answers from the White House about scientific integrity violations made by senior White House science advisor Dr. Jane Lubchenco. As the Ranking Member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Lucas and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman sent a letter this week to the …
Tulsa Port to get $22 million federal grant to expand major manufacturing
A more than $22 million federal grant will help turn the Tulsa Port at the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System into a “mega-site” for the future. It is considered to be the largest grant in the 51-year history of the Port according to the Tulsa World. Click here for Tulsa World
Farmington goes to court to force takeover of coal-fired power plant
The city of Farmington, New Mexico filed suit this week as it seeks to take ownership of the San Juan coal power plant and keep it running beyond its scheduled Sept. 30 closure. The Farmington Daily Times reported the lawsuit was filed against Public Service Co. of New Mexico and other co-owners of the coal-fired power …
ConocoPhillips gets congressional supporters for Alaska oil project
ConocoPhillips got a major boost of support in its Willow oil and gas project in Alaska as the state’s congressional delegates, including newly elected Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola urged the Biden administration to approve it. The delegation sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland asking her to approve the proposed oil development project in the …
PSO executive gets big promotion in AEP
Some major executive appointments were announced this week by American Electric Power and for one PSO executive in Tulsa, it means a major promotion. Peggy Simmons, currently president and chief operating officer (COO) for Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), has been named executive vice president – Utilities. AEP’s seven utility company presidents and …
Democrats block Lankford’s call to continue sanctions against Iran
Democrats wouldn’t have anything to do with Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford’s call this week to continue the country’s current sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry, financial sector and supporters of terrorism. He introduced the Iran Sanctions Preservation Act to prevent President Biden from lifting sanctions on the Iranian regime. He proposed the Senate pass …
Rep. Bice calls on more cooperation in weather forecasting
Oklahoma congresswoman Stephanie Bice used a House hearing this week to promote more collaboration and cooperation of federal agencies with the commercial weather industry and their use of satellites in weather forecasting. She spoke at a Space & Aeronautics and Environment Subcommittee Hearing titled, Looking Back to Predict the Future: The Next Generation of Weather Satellites. …
Kigali amendment to ban chemicals in refrigerators passes without Inhofe and Lankford support
Oklahoma Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford voted this week against the ratification of an amendment to the U-N Montreal Protocol to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons. Referred to as the Kigali Amendment, the measure was passed Wednesday on a 69-27 vote. The amendment was to allow the U.S. to join an international …