State firefighters are being warned that Oklahoma might see another outbreak of deadly wildfires like it experienced on Friday when fires left at least four persons dead. “Another Wildfire Outbreak is possible and given the approaching dry, cold front, a Megafire (burning <100,000 acres) cannot be ruled out,” stated the Oklahoma Forestry Service in …
Controlling the wind industry in Arkansas the object of a new bill in the legislature
The Arkansas legislature has introduced the state’s first regulatory framework to control the growth of wind eneergy projects. Called the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act, it would set regulation for wind turbine construction, decommissioning rules and permitting processes. Senate Bill 437 would also require wind developers to also carry out environmental impact assessments and …
New Mexico legislators want higher tax on oil production
Democrats in a New Mexico House committee decided recently to cut and eliminate state income taxes for many working people but at the same time added a tax hike for the state’s oil producers. The full House prepares to vote on the measure that would add an 0.28% oil and gas equalization surtax when …
New Mexico wildfire sparked by utility line
A power line is believed to be the cause of a northern New Mexico wildfire that burned more than 21,000 acres of land in Mora County. The weekend fire darkened more than 33 square miles of ranchland. Click here for Source New Mexico
Energy briefs
** Goldman Sachs Group Inc. cut its oil price forecasts, as tariffs reduce the outlook for US growth while OPEC and its allies boost output. The move follows a drop in crude prices from this year’s high in January on plentiful supply, a weak demand outlook from top importer China and an escalating international trade …
Oklahoma’s competitive bidding fight also waged in other states
The Right of First Refusal argument taking place against some proposed utility transmission bills in the Oklahoma legislature is taking place also in Wisconsin where utilities claim they can build regional power lines better, faster and cheaper than out-of-state competitors and they should have exclusive, no-bid rights to those grid expansion projects. Just …
Crude gained on Trump’s threat to Iran over Houthi missile attacks
President Trump’s vow to hold Iran responsible for any future attacks by the Houthis on American ships in the Red Sea sent crude oil prices up on Monday. “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN,” …
Galvanic Energy names new President
Galvanic Energy, with its subsidiary Bright Star Exploration, announced Monday that Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Humphers, CPA, will assume a new leadership role as the company’s president. Humphers’ career spans nearly three decades, with 26 years of experience in the energy sector, including more than 20 years at Devon Energy Corporation. Humphers is a graduate …
New Mexico regulators unhappy about El Paso Electric’s decision to join SPP
A recent decision by El Paso Electric to join the Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+ group has riled up the New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioners. The SPP is the same power grid that serves Oklahoma. Its Markets+ division is a regional day-ahead market that faciilities increased collaboration between utilities. But the New Mexico regulators feel …
Sinkhole from abandoned well grows in West Texas
A growing sinkhole from an abandoned oil well in west Texas has alarmed nearby residents and experts aren’t sure how to solve the issue. The sinkhole, nearly 200 feet in diameter and 40 feet deep, is located in Upton County. It is on the Kelton Ranch near the small town of McCamey. Click here …