EDMOND —
Corporation Commissioner Patrice Douglas recently told a congressional committee that one-size-fits-all regulation of the energy sector actually can be counterproductive.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee sponsored a congressional hearing in Edmond titled “America’s Energy Future Part 1: A Review of Unnecessary and Burdensome Regulations.” State officials and energy-sector leaders gave testimony about what federal regulations are doing to the state’s efforts to promote its top industry.
While we believe more can be done to promote “green energy,” it’s also not realistic to put all our federal eggs or dollars in that one basket when the green energy industry itself admits it will be 20 years or longer before the infrastructure is in place to make it a major national energy player.
In the meantime, Congress should look more closely at how Oklahoma has managed its energy resources and its energy legacy. Few will argue that America should not do more to be as energy independent as possible, but we have to accomplish that goal in a responsible and ethical way. That means not allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to fine and regulate existing power plants out of existence before a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative is in place.
What’s good for Oklahoma energy policy can be good for energy policy elsewhere if those in Washington care to listen. Edmond was honored to be the site of a congressional hearing on a matter of such importance to our state. We hope those committee members are able to inform their fellow congressional members that states really are in the best position to regulate these industries and that we’re willing to work for the common good.
Our View
OUR VIEW: U.S. energy policy needs work
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Be Edmond needs your help
BMX star and local legend Mat Hoffman knows what’s it like to fall from great heights and find yourself at one of the worst low points in life. He also knows how to climb back up and tackle life’s problems head on.
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OUR VIEW: Be Edmond needs your help
BMX star and local legend Mat Hoffman knows what’s it like to fall from great heights and find yourself at one of the worst low points in life. He also knows how to climb back up and tackle life’s problems head on.
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OUR VIEW: OKPOP — great idea, bad timing
The Route 66 museum in Clinton has been such a success that Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, said the turnaround project proves that popular culture is a best-seller when it comes to museum projects. It also proved that when a community gets behind a project and raises the funds to launch it, they all can reap the rewards of the increased tourism and recognition.
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OUR VIEW: Choice is clear
This Tuesday, Edmond residents are asked to go to the polls to choose between incumbent Mayor Charles Lamb and Richard Prawdzienski for the office of mayor. Voters citywide also will be asked to consider whether to retain Nick Massey as its Ward 4 councilmember or select newcomer Shilpa Abbitt, an engineer employed by Devon Energy in Oklahoma City.
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OUR VIEW: Line-item budgets should return
Some may have made fun of the nickname — the Doomsday deal — but the thought behind new Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon’s move to name a House committee specifically to monitor federal dollars coming into Oklahoma was right on target.
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OUR VIEW: Economic development plan deserves consideration
An economist recently told the Edmond City Council that the entire Oklahoma City metropolitan area has the potential to boom with economic growth in the next decade. Edmond officials are making plans now to be ready for that potential growth to ensure the city gets its fair share of the economic pie.
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OUR VIEW: Doing the right thing
On Wednesday, the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Senate swore in their newly elected and re-elected members in preparation of the 2013 legislative session. It was a moment for those elected to public office to savor their success, share their victory with family and friends who came to watch the ceremonies and be cordial with their new colleagues.
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OUR VIEW: Lankford, Jolley, McDaniel get our vote
Few times in American history have we seen people divided so politically as we have during this election cycle. The partisan gridlock of Congress and the relentless sniping of presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle are more than just fodder for late-night comedy.
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OUR VIEW: Say yes to SQ 766
State Question 766 poses one of the most drastic questions for voters to consider in state history. The language of this state question requires voters to say either yes, they don’t want a tax increase, or no, they do want one.
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