At Monday’s meeting, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission approved the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges Plan for Fiscal Years 2026 to 2030. The updated five-year plan includes nearly $930 million in scheduled upgrades to county roads and bridges outside of ODOT jurisdiction across all 77 Oklahoma counties. One of the major, newly added projects …
Energy Department’s grid study results in warning about growing prospects of brownouts and blackouts
Just as we have noted and reported, America’s quest for more energy is rapidly growing. And it’s growing so fast, the U.S. Energy Department, in a new report, is warning of growing prospects of brownouts and blackouts in the coming few years. “This report affirms what we already know: The United States cannot afford …
State Space Board members to take up business Wednesday
Members of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority Board are scheduled to meet Wednesday, July 9 and the agenda is a lengthy one. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and be livestreamed for public viewing. To watch: Public access meeting link: https://video.ibm.com/channel/RG5BGejedSk AGENDA 1. ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETING ACT, FILING OF …
Energy briefs
** A U.S. Energy Department report warns the risk of blackouts could surge by the end of the decade amid growing power demand and calls for keeping gas and coal power plants online — though the GOP budget bill will stymie clean power development that could help meet that demand. ** In a televised cabinet …
Interior Proposes Updates to Commingling Rules to Boost Energy Production and Efficiency
The Department of the Interior is proposing critical updates to Bureau of Land Management oil and gas regulations that would make it easier for operators to combine production from multiple leases—a practice known as commingling. This will implement the One Big Beautiful Bill’s directive to the Secretary of the Interior to approve onshore commingling …
Oklahoma coal plants among those cited in lawsuit challenging EPA exemptions
When the Trump administration granted EPA exemptions to nearly 70-coal-fired power plants across the country, including 7 in Oklahoma, it led to almost an immediate lawsuit filed by environmental groups. A dozen environmental and community groups filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over what they claim was an illegal use of presidential …
Holiday travel gasoline demand sent crude oil prices up 2% in Monday’s trading
The record number of Americans traveling over the Fourth of July weekend offset any concerns about the weekend decision by OPEC+ to increase its August oil production and as a result, crude oil prices on Monday jumped 2% in trading. The Holiday travel meant a greater demand for gasoline and prompted traders and investors …
OGE offers tips to stay cool during the summer
As temperatures rise and summer sets in, many customers are looking for practical ways to manage their energy usage and keep monthly bills in check while staying cool. To help navigate the hottest months of the year, OG&E is sharing simple, effective tips that can make a real difference in reducing energy consumption and …
Former DOT contractor indicted on embezzlement charges
A former State of Oklahoma contractor has surrendered himself after he was indicted by the Multi-County Grand Jury. Jacob Paul McElhaney, 41, faces up to eight years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 for embezzlement of state property valued at more than $15,000. According to the indictment that was recently unsealed, McElhaney stole …
U.S. energy imports in 2024 were lowest level in 40 years
Even with the Biden administration in place in 2024 and despite its anti-fossil fuel policies, the U.S. imported about 17% of its domestic energy supply, half of the record share set in 2006 and the lowest share since 1985. It’s what the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports this week, noting the decline in imports’ …