Even after losing more than $9 billion over a year and a half period, Oklahoma oilman Harold Hamm, the man who founded and still runs Continental Resources remains the richest man in Oklahoma. He is still sitting pretty as he manages his vast fortune and empire. Forbes reports the $9.4 billion lost over the past …
SEC Gives Go-Ahead to Williams Companies to Mail Merger Ballots
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has granted approval to Williams Cos. of Tulsa to its Form S-4 document required for shareholders to be able to vote on the controversial proposed merger with Dallas-based Energy Transfer Equity. The approval came Wednesday in which the SEC ruled the form is “effective.” It is a document used …
Wichita Tech Firm Doubling Employment
At least 100 new years will be added in the coming year by SNT Media based in Wichita, Kansas. The 5-year old company announced plans to more than double the current workforce of 80 employees over the next 12 months. “We are solidly operationalizing here in Wichita,” said Tonya Witherspoon, a spokeswoman for the company …
Biomass Electricity Production Increases Most in the South
When it comes to the use of biomass in producing electricity across the nation, the country’s deep south is leading the way. While Oklahoma is considered part of the southern states creating the electricity, the increased use of biomass really occurred in Virginia, Florida and Georgia. US electricity generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information …
South Central Kansas Oilman Indicted in $8 million Scheme
A south central Kansas man has been indicted on charges of running a nearly $8 million oil and gas scheme and if he’s convicted could get up to 20 years in prison. Federal prosecutors in Wichita revealed the indictment this week against David Lawson of Hillsboro, Kansas. the 70-year old was the owner and director …
Senator Contends Wind Industry is Doing Nothing to Help the State
When the State Senate approved SB 1577 this week, only two Senators voted against cutting the tax credit for the state’s at-risk oil wells. One of them was Sen. Ralph Shortey of Oklahoma City who led the debate against putting a $12.5 million cap on the credits that were expected to swell to $25 million …
SB 1577’s Cap of $12.5 Million for At Risk Wells On Governor’s Desk
An Oklahoma bill providing a tax rebate for economically at-risk oil and gas wells received final passage in the Senate on Wednesday. Senate Bill 1577, co-authored by Senate Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and House Speaker Jeff Hickman, was originally filed on May 2 in order to slash a tax rebate program that was originally created …
Inhofe Cites Proof Feds are using WOTUS for Overreach
Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe says he and his supporters are still fighting the “overreach” of the federal government, especially when it comes to the Waters of the U.S. Rule that is on hold in the federal courts. “I have heard concerns that the Corps and EPA are continuing to expand federal control over land …
Railroad Improvement Tax Credit Trimmed by New Law in Oklahoma
One of the 14 bills signed into law Tuesday by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin focuses on limiting tax credits for railroad rehabilitation and improvements in the state. She signed House Bill 3204 into law making it immediately effective. The bill cuts the tax credit by 25 percent Authors were Representatives Earl Sears and Dennis Casey …
Aeronautics Commission Renews Aerospace Contract
(From the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission) While the state legislature is deciding final agency budgets this week at the Oklahoma Capitol, a high-level meeting at the entity for all things aeronautics was buzzing with activity as well. Most of the general public and even some state and federal lawmakers are unaware of a hidden armament tucked …









