Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford and some of his supporters contend the Biden administration has got it wrong again…..this time in its attack on independent or freelance contractors. He and Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. introduced a Congressional Review Act measure of disapproval. It would overturn the Department of Labor’s (DOL) final worker classification …
Oil and gas revenues for Oklahoma rose in February
Oil and gas tax revenues in Oklahoma finally increased in the month of February but were still down over the past 12 months. State Treasurer Todd Russ reported gross production tax revenue during the month dropped more than 41%. It also led to a decrease for all tax receipts for the month. Russ said …
More government transparency in Oklahoma? Or less?
While one Oklahoma House bill proposes what appears to be fewer opportunities for the public to see how a state agency handles state business, another has won full support in the House in the context of making government more transparent. HB3937, by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa would require public bodies to post meeting notices and …
Rep. Lucas wonders what’s more important…military security or reporting climate emissions
Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas is among some in the House who wonder if the Biden administration has gone too far in a proposed emissions rule, one that would require the Defense Department to report on the emissions from its military activities. Lucas chairs the House Science, Space and Technology Committee and was joined by …
Enviros launch satellite to monitor world’s methane leaks from oil and gas sites
A new satellite is orbiting the earth with one goal in mind—to measure the amount of methane emissions from oil and gas companies in Oklahoma, the U.S. and the rest of the world. It was sent into space not by the federal government but by an environmental group that is also not friendly with …
Enbridge finalizes deal with Kansas firm owned by Koch Industries
Pipeline operator Enbridge just wrapped up a major acquisition from Flint Hills Resources, an independent company based in Wichita,Kansas. The Canadian firm announced it will invest nearly $500 million in expansion of its pipelilne and storage assets to improve its abilities along the Gulf Coast. Already operating the biggest oil pipeline network in North …
Researcher warns Oklahoma’s “NOFER” bill could hurt consumers and run into issues with SPP and FERC
If Oklahoma moves forward with a bill that proponents contend is no longer a Right of First Refusal measure for utilities in the state, it could run into serious challenges with the electric grid manager, the Southwest Power Pool as well federal regulators. It’s the claim of one official with the Washington, D.C. based …
Fire chief dies in Texas wildfires
The wildfires that devastated the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma over the past week took another tragic turn this week as a volunteer fire chief in the small Texas town of Fritch collapsed and died while fighting a house fire. Reports indicate Zeb Smith suffered a medical seizure, prompting his community to call his …
Energy quick reads
** Wyoming’s Office of State Lands and Investments began holding an oil and gas lease auction this week, one that’s considered one of its smallest since 2017. The auction underscores the challenges the office (OSLI) faces with promoting a carbon-based energy program to raise revenue. ** Chevron recently revealed plans to build its first solar-to-hydrogen production facility …
ROFR or NOFR…..it’s still alive in the Oklahoma legislature as we hear in Mitchell Talks Energy
This week of Mitchell Talks Energy with Jerry Bohnen, we have an analysis of the so-called ‘NOFR” bill, impactful legislation which we’ve been discussing for months. The bill is now awaiting State senate action, and Josiah Neeley of the R Street Institute helps us analyze the claims of both sides with the with the goal of …