(Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector) The way Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly looks at the prospect of extending Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer passenger rail service in Oklahoma north into Kansas is it would help the Kansas economy. Not that it would help Oklahoma, but help Kansas. “The extension of the Heartland Flyer Passenger Rail would further connect Kansans …
EV charging network slow to advance because of red tape
Two years after the Biden administration convinced Congress to approve $7.5 billion in the name of placing electric vehicle chargers along the highways and interstates across the nation, including in Oklahoma, not a single charger has been installed under the program. Don’t look for them anytime soon. What’s the hold up? In many cases, …
Austin becomes US headquarters of nation’s 2nd largest solar company
Austin, Texas is the new US home of RWE, the second-largest solar owner and operator in the nation. The global renewable energy company has more than 300 workers based in Austin and 10,000 across the world. RWE has plans to becomme the top renewable energy developer and operator in the U.S. The Austin American-Statesman …
Corporation Commissioners oppose dismantling of trucking enforcement program
Oklahoma’s three Corporation Commissioners have come out against a legislative task force recommendation to remove trucking enforcement from the agency and transfer it to the Department of Public Safety. They argue such a move will end up costing millions for taxpayers. “The OCC is gravely concerned with the proposal,” declared Commissioners Todd Hiett, Bob …
Second attempt at rural broadband expansion program could be approved this week
After re-examining and exploring how it wants to spend $382 million in government money for an expansion and improvement of internet service in rural Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board could vote this week on redrafted proposals. The Board is to meet Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. to consider an agenda that includes a possible …
Government to buy another 3 million barrels to refill nation’s oil reserve
The government now is aiming for March to begin replenishing the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve which is at its lowest level in decades. After using 180 million barrels of crude oil to lower gasoline prices instead of the original purpose for national security emergencies, the Biden administration announced Friday it intends to buy 3 …
Gasoline prices are at 11 month low—down to $2.19 in OKC
The nation’s gasoline prices hit an eleven month low this week, falling to a national average of $3.16 as of Saturday morning, while Oklahoma’s average is $2.71 per gallon. But some Oklahoma City gas stations offered the fuel at $2.19 per gallon. AAA analysts say it is possible that the national average could fall …
Scientist measures wind farm wind speeds in northern Oklahoma
In northern Oklahoma sits a special radar site with a specific goal of measuring the flow of wind through some of the neighboring wind farms. It is maintained and operated by the Texas Tech University National Wind Institute and is located about 10 miles east of Enid. The U.S. Department of Energy funds the …
Oklahoma Wildlife Director makes surprise resignation
Former executive director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, J.D. Strong unexpectly quit his latest state job in the past week—that of director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “After much prayer, and after more than 31 years of state service, I have deided to step down as Director of the ODWC, effective …
Crude rose on Friday but not enough to offset a 7th straight week of declines
Crude oil prices finally made some gains on Friday, increasing by 2% but they still were down overall for the seventh consecutive week, largely because investors are concerned about an oversupply of crude oi. It turned out to be the longest streak of weekly declines in half a decade. West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, …