U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin took some time recently to meet with community leaders in Ardmore to discuss the impact of Michelin’s announced plans to close the tire manufacturing plant by the end of 2025. He spoke with Ardmore Chamber of Commerce President Bill Murphy, Ardmore Mayor Sheryl Ellis, Ardmore City Manager Kevin Boatright, and …
Nation saw minor increase in rig activity while Oklahoma was unchanged
The number of oil and gas rigs active in the U.S. increased by two in the past week while Oklahoma held steady with 37 active rigs. The Baker Hughes Co. reported Friday the national count grew to 618. The addition included six more oil rigs, bringing the total to 500 while the number of …
ROFR bills killed in Wisconsin
Oklahoma isn’t alone in dealing with the controversial issue of the Right of First Refusal, the ability of utilities to refuse competitive bidding for major transmission line projects. Other states are too. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is in the midst of a Notice of Inquiry in researching the pros and cons of the issue. …
Thanksgiving efforts promoted by PSO
As Thanksgiving approaches, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) highlighted the unique innovations of Food On The Move and discussed other successful food and housing programs supported by PSO and the American Electric Power Foundation through the Feeding Communities initiative. “Thanksgiving is a time when we all pause to appreciate our good fortune and …
Sen. Mullin files act to lower cost of rural broadband service
Oklahoma U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin wants to do something about lowering the cost of the availability of broadband service and he has the support of at least one Democrat. Mullin was joined by Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly and Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo in introducing the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of …
Rep. Lucas and House Committee press for answers in Antarctic Research program
Led by Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas, the House Science, Space and Technology Committee is demanding answers regarding its investigation into sexual harassment and assault in the U.S .Antarctic Program. He was joined by Ranking Democrat Zoe Lofgren of California in sending letters to the Director of the National Science Foundation and the CEO of …
Deadline day approaches for Attorney General’s subpoena of Oklahoma Corporation Commission
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has a week to respond to Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s subpoena for communications from Oklahoma Corporation Commission staff during the 2021 winter storm and the months that followed. It is part of his ongoing investigation into alleged market manipulation of natural gas prices during the storm. He issued the …
State approves plan to use Michelin payroll taxes to promote soon-to-be closed plant
An Oklahoma state agency has approved a plan to use the next two years of payroll taxes from the Michelin tire manufacturing plant in a move to perhaps convince another firm to replace Michelin. It was three weeks ago when Michelin announced it planned to close the tire plant in 2025. The Oklahoma Development …
Buc-ees to offer EV charging stations
Buc-ees announced it is partnering with Mercedes-Benz HPC North America to bring a network of premium charging stations for electric vehicles to some of its travel centers. With most Buc-ee’s centers located in Texas, the offering will be seen there. The company said it plans to open its EV offering at key markets by …
Oklahoma judicial nominee stumbles over questions during Senate hearing
Democrats joked about an Oklahoma judicial nominee who stumbled in providing answers to Louisiana Republican U.S. Sen. John Kennedy during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Sara Hill, a former Cherokee Nation Attorney General who could become the first Native American woman to be a federal judge in Oklahoma, didn’t fare well in being questioned …