Author's posts
Government Does Away With Obama-Era Coal Royalty Rules
Another Obama-era energy-related rule has been scrapped by the Trump administration. This time, it is a rule on coal royalties, one that coal and mining companies had opposed, calling it costly and burdensome. The Interior Department did away with the royalty valuation rule but the elimination won’t be effective until Sept. 6 because of the …
Former Green Party Candidate Takes Plea Deal Over Dakota Access Pipeline Vandalism
Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein won’t have to spend time in jail for her protest nearly a year ago of the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota. North Dakota Judge Gail Hagerty accepted a plea deal sparing Stein from serving time behind bars. She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief and in …
Longer Lateral Drilling Law Eagerly Anticipated in Oklahoma
Oil and gas exploration companies apparently are eagerly awaiting the date of November 1st in Oklahoma. That’s when under a new law, they will be allowed to drill horizontal wells up to two miles long in all layers and will no longer be limited to one mile. As The Oklahoman quoted one driller, “Long …
Economic Study of Air Bases in Oklahoma to be Released Monday
The state’s preparing to release an Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Economic Impact Study on Monday. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission will release the report Aug. 14 during a 2 p.m. news conference at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Gov. Mary Fallin will be joined by Transportation Secretary Mike Patterson, Adjutant general Brigadier Gen. Louis …
Price Gouging Statute Declared in NE Oklahoma Following Storms
Following last weekend’s tornadoes and floods that hit northeast Oklahoma, State Attorney General Mike Hunter announced the implementation of the Emergency Price Stabilization Act in effect for Mayes, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties. His move aimed against price gouging followed a state of emergency declared Wednesday by Gov. Mary Fallin. It targets those who want …
More STACK Wells Reported by Continental Resources
Harold Hamm can’t stop smiling no doubt as his Continental Resources continues to drill well after well in Oklahoma’s STACK, and find success. With 171,000 acres of leasehold in Oklahoma’s STACK, Hamm’s Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources has brought in four more wells. While they are nothing like the Verona drilled last year with 3,300 Boed …
Campaign Underway for Rep. Osborn’s Run for Labor Commissioner
In making her announcement of being a candidate for State Labor Commissioner, Mustang Rep. Leslie Osborn told supporters the state has serious challenges. At the same time, she said the Labor Commissioner has an important role in “building a better and stronger Oklahoma by championing people, jobs and businesses.” The Republican legislator was a small …
More Speculation About Scott Pruitt’s Political Future
A few weeks after we told you how some national reporters and others were speculating that EPA chief Scott Pruitt was using the office as a possible stepping stone to a higher office, there has been more such political speculation. It comes from the Tulsa World where the prospect is reported of Pruitt making a …
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filed by Knight Energy Holdings
The downturn in the oil and gas industry has caught up Louisiana-based Knight Energy Holdings LLC. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week showing it has nearly $200 million in secured debt and another $10 million in unsecured debt. Knight Energy is an oil and gas tool rental company whose leaders say they have …
Cabot Turns the Tables on Pennsylvania Man in Pollution Lawsuit
Houston-based Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. has turned the tables on a Pennsylvania man who filed suit claiming the gas driller had polluted residential water wells in Pennsylvania. Cabot, one of the largest natural gas drillers in Pennsylvania went to court this week and filed a $5 million lawsuit against Ray Kemble and his lawyers …