Oklahoma City attorney Melvin Hall assured Corporation Commissioners this week his investigation into the allegations against Commissioner Todd Hiett will be a “confidental fact-finding” probe and rely on information voluntarily offered by those who feel they have something to offer. “Strictly voluntary—we will only deal with information that is voluntarily made,” Hall told …
Crude oil prices slipped on Tuesday—so did OK energy stocks
Crude oil prices dropped nearly 1% on Tuesday and Oklahoma energy stocks also went on the same path with some firms losing 4% and 5% in the value of their stock. Crude oil fell as supply concerns about the possibility of a full-out war in the Middle East eased with Israel’s acceptance of steps …
Oklahoma midstream firm to move headquarters to downtown Tulsa
Oklahoma’s Superior Midstream, LLC is moving its corporate offices to downtown Tulsa. They will be located in the First Place Tower after the move is completed in January 2025. “We are excited to begin this new chapter in downtown Tulsa,” said Bill Ward, President and CEO of Superior Midstream. He said the move to …
Gasoline taxes hold steady for many states
Ever wonder what taxes you are paying when you pull up to the pumps and fill up with a tankful of gasoline? The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported this week that state taxes and fees on gasoline and diesel fuel averaged 33 cents a gallon for gasoline and 35 cents a gallon for …
Commissioner Hiett goes to Supreme Court against Commissioner Anthony
Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett showed another sign this week of his refusal to resign from office amidst an investigation into the allegations he was drunk at a national conference and groped a man at a hotel bar. Commissioner Hiett filed an application with the State Supreme Court seeking a writ of prohibition to …
Oklahoma gas prices drop below $3 a gallon average
For the first time in months, the average price of gasoline fell below $3 a gallon this week in Oklahoma. Based on information from AAA, the new statewide average is $2.99 a gallon, down four cents from a week ago and 13 cents from a month ago. AAA reported the national average fell a …
Icahn agrees to $2 million settlement over SEC probe
Billionaire investor Carl Icahn, the man who controls nearly 66% of the shares in oil refiner CVR Energy with refineries in Oklahoma and Kansas, finally settled charges this week with U.S. regulators who accused him and his Icahn Enterprises LP of failing to reveal the majority of the firm’s securities for billions in personal …
Entergy reaches deal over millions in unpaid taxes in Arkansas
A legal settlement over Entergy’s unpaid Arkansas taxes totaling into the millions of dollars is to be considered by the state this week. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Arkansas Business report the settlement involves $19.7 million in unpaid tax bills from 2014 to 2018. The real total owed the state Department of Finance and Administration …
Democrats collect compost at their National Convention in Chicago
This week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago is a first. It marks the first such Democratic convention to collect compost! Grist, the online magazine reports it is an effort for Democrats and those who organized their national gathering to make sure they walk the talk about green energy and carbon offset programs. Click here for …
OCC staffers claim Happy Hour article is unfair
Our story this week about a utility’s “Happy Hour” invitation to some staff members of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission prompted a request from the Commission’s Communications Division. The division claimed in an email notice to OK Energy Today that General Administrator Brandy Wreath, who was one of those named on the invitation for …