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Methane Emissions Fight Developing Between Pruitt and Environmental Coalition
More than 60 environmental groups want EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to maintain approaching deadlines for oil and gas operators to cut their emissions of methane. Representing conservation, health, labor and even faith groups, they sent a letter this week to Pruitt. They’re asking he keep in place the Obama-era standards requiring oil and gas companies …
Senator Inhofe Warns Senate of Dangers of Remaining in Paris Climate Agreement
“If we remain in the agreement, we are putting ourselves at significant litigation risk.” Sen. Jim Inhofe on Paris Climate Agreement. Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe is urging President Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, saying if he doesn’t, the nation could be dragged into court by environmentalists who want enforcement of …
Power Firms Rejected Again by Kansas Corporation Commission
The Kansas Corporation Commission decided this week not to a petition for reconsideration of its rejection of a merger between Great Plains Energy and Westar Energy. It was April 19 when the KCC denied approval of Kansas City-based Great Plains Energy’s acquisition of Westar Energy, the largest electrical utility in the state. The two firms …
Despite Oil and Gas Resurgence in North Dakota, Homeless Numbers are Up
While North Dakota officials like to brag about the economic impact of the oil and gas industry in their state, there’s also a dirty little secret. The number of homeless people in the state has increased over the last year, thanks to the industry. Jeannie Messall, director of the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People …
Inhofe to President—-Dump the Paris Climate Agreement!
Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe joined with 20 other Senators in urging President Trump to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. They signed a letter sent to the President and applauded his executive actions undoing what they called “overreaching” environmental regulations from the Obama administration, specifically the Clean Power Plan regulations. The Senators told the …
Oil and Gas Campaign Money for Legislators
Those Democrats in the Oklahoma House and Senate who fought tooth and nail against changes in the gross production tax on oil and gas weren’t ashamed to take money at the same time from the oil and gas industry. The list includes House Minority leader Rep. Scott Inman who has blasted the industry and accused …
Energy Groups Applaud House Passage of Lateral Drilling Bill
The Oklahoma House approval of the Senate Bill extending lateral oil and gas drilling drew support from two major industry groups, the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association. Both agreed the measure would be a key economic development tool for the state, allowing energy companies to drill more wells and …
Governor to Decide Fate of Extended Lateral Drilling Bill
Governor Mary Fallin will have the final say on a controversial bill to allow for extended lateral drill in the state of Oklahoma. The State house, in debate on Wednesday voted 51-46 to pass Senate Bill 867 which allows energy companies to drill horizontal wells longer than one mile in nonshale formations. Representative Weldon Watson …
Blaine County’s Latest Large Well—–Interest Grows in Grady County
Blaine County in Oklahoma’s STACK turned out another 1,000-plus oil well according to completion reports shown on OK Energy Today. Houston-based Marathon Oil came up with the Calf Rope well located about 5 miles northeast of the city of Watonga. (1 16N 11W) Completion showed production of 1,385 barrels a day along with 2,152 Mcf …
State Legislator Targets Continental Resources in Fight Over Gross Production Tax
Chickasha Democratic Representative David Perryman thinks the cry of the oil and gas industry over raising the gross production tax is a case of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” He used it to attack an Oklahoma City oilman and to plead for higher taxes on the industry. It’s what he claimed in a press release made …