** Texas lawmakers approve legislation to require nearly every solar and wind farm in the state to back up their energy production with gas-fired power plants or batteries or face a steep fine, potentially shutting down thousands of megawatts of existing projects. ** Duke Energy blames a slithering snake for causing the May 5 power …
Congressmen want to undo protection for Permian Basin lizard
Congressmen from Kansas and Texas, claiming a threatened lizard is threatening the U.S. oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin, have filed a measure to reverse the federal endangered species status given the animal by the Biden administration. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) and Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS) filed their Limiting Incredulous Zealots …
3% gain recorded by crude prices while OK energy stocks soared too
Crude oil prices and Oklahoma energy stocks enjoyed positive territory on Thursday as oil rose 3% because of optimism over the trade talks between the US and China. Both are the world’s largest oil consumers and what comes out of the talks could have a big impact on oil distribution and production. Investors are …
Corporation Commissioner unhappy with approval of SB998
Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chair Kim David is hopeful Gov. Kevin Stitt might step in and veto SB998, a utility construction bill approved this week in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She joined opposition led by the AARP, an organization that immediately launched a campaign to urge the governor to veto the measure that it …
Staffing shortages hits Army Corps of Engineer lakes in Oklahoma and Kansas
More than 3 dozen lakes managed by the Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including many in Oklahoma will have their recreation areas temporarily closed or with reduced service because of what the Corps refers to as staffing shortages. The Army Corps of Engineers stated it “does not currently having the …
Utility ratepayer protection bill waited for State Senate vote
A bill seeking to protect utility customers from paying higher rates because of 2021’s Winter Storm Uri has not yet been considered by the full State Senate. It was not on the agenda on Thursday, which was the deadline for consideration of bills from the opposite legislative chamber. House Bill 1220 unanimously passed in the Oklahoma …
ONE Gas honored with safety award
For the eighth consecutive year, ONE Gas has received an American Gas Association Safety Achievement Award for excellence in employee safety. The award was presented at the AGA 2025 Operations Conference on May 6 in Aurora, Colorado. Awards were given to companies of all sizes and types and are based on the Days …
New Transportation commissioner welcomed; $89 million in projects awarded
Highlights of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission’s May 5, meeting include welcoming the new District 3 Commissioner, updating commissioners on the status of the Heartland Flyer, receiving a national beautification award and approving construction projects on US-59 near Sallisaw and on the Duncan Bypass. Oklahoma Department of Transportation Executive Director Tim Gatz and commissioners welcomed newly-appointed District 3 …
Oklahoma Broadband office launches newsletter
The Oklahoma Broadband Office is launching a newsletter to help you stay informed on the latest efforts to expand high-speed internet throughout the state. In this premier edition, read about efforts to bring attention to projects being launched, commentary by Executive Director Mike Sanders about the impact on rural Oklahoma, and the latest statistics on progress …
Permian basin oil operator acquires more acreage in $608 million deal
The Oklahoma oil and gas operators in the Permian Basin face a growing competitor—Permian Resources revealed this week it made a $608 million acquisition of 13,320 net acres and 8,700 net royalty acres in New Mexico. Apache parent APA Corp. sold the acreage which is located near the core operating areas of Permian Resources, …