The Oklahoma House Energy Committee last week heard a study, led by Chair Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, examining the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s (OCC) regulation of the state’s oil and gas industry, including workforce challenges, orphan well plugging and seismic activity.
“The Legislature must work with OCC to find solutions to the issues and gaps facing the agency, especially in the protest docket,” Archer said. “If we remove barriers and work with Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry, we can help the Commission fulfill their mission and regulate the industry effectively while protecting jobs, revenue and public safety. But first, they need the resources, tools and authority to do their job well rather than the current slow, inefficient process.”
