Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth spoke today to the Edmond Rotary Club at its weekly breakfast.
Roth, a Democrat, is being challenged for his seat by Dana Murphy, R-Edmond. He addressed a number of Corporation Commission and state issues.
Roth began his presentation by detailing the duties of the Corporation Commission, which include regulation of public utilities, oil and gas drilling, production and environmental protection, the safety aspects of motor carrier, rail and pipeline transportation and the environmental integrity of petroleum storage tank systems.
Roth discussed energy issues for the state. He also discussed current oil and gas activity and production, including the significant growth of activity in the Woodford Shale area of southern Oklahoma. Roth went on to outline the exciting future of Oklahoma energy, to include alternative energy sources such as wind power and agricultural developments such as biofuels, bioenergy and cellulosic technologies.
“The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has a huge impact on our state’s economy and all our citizens’ lives. I work every day to make sure that impact is positive for the future of our state,” said Roth. “We are an energy state, we’ve been a leader in oil and natural gas, and we are gaining ground now in renewable energies such as wind and bio fuels. Just a few years ago we were ranked 50th in the nation in wind power, and today we are sixth. By 2010 we will be third. And by 2024 we will be the number one wind- producing state. Oklahoma has a bright future.”
Roth further spoke regarding economic issues facing the state, including the cost of reliable electrical power, the price of gasoline and the economic issues on transportation fuels.
