Nuclear Power

The state of Oklahoma, like many other states, is evaluating different options when discussing how best to produce power in the future. One idea that continues to rise to the forefront of this debate is nuclear energy. Countries like France get a majority of their power from nuclear energy. Many argue that it is safer than it was, and is cleaner than fossil fuels. We want to know what you think. Send us your ideas on Nuclear Energy and on Energy Policies today!

For more on this topic, click here.

Energy Policies

As we continue through 2007, one major concern has continued all this year as it did all last year: what are we going to do about oil? As oil prices have steadily risen over the last 2 years to record heights, we have begun to see the strains of it on our economy. The energy industry, however, is vital to Oklahoma now as it was a century ago. What do you think would be best for Oklahoma? Send us your ideas on energy today at http://www.100ideasok.com/!

For today's most recent news on oil, click here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12400801/.

Ideas on Energy

Many ideas have been submitted as to what Oklahomans would like to see happen in Oklahoma in relation to energy. Many advocate the use of wind and solar. Some, like former Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode, have advocated the use of natural gas. You can read her comments at http://newsok.com/article/3099436.

We want to know what you think! Send us your ideas on energy today!

"Bright Idea" to Cut Taxes and Energy Usage

Desert Morning News, May 27th, 2007
"Does Buying New Bulbs Save You Bucks?"

Two conservative Utah House members want to give every Utah family $30 in a tax cut to purchase long-lasting light bulbs.

Reps. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, and Greg Hughes, R-Draper, say the $21 million cost of their energy-saving program would cut more than $200 million in electrical costs, which in turn would mean more money for state tax coffers.

Interesting story on "crazy" ideas and global warming

Fox News, March 20, 2007
"Crazy-sounding ideas may help combat global warming"
Crazy-sounding ideas for saving the planet are getting a serious look from top scientists, a sign of their fears about global warming and the desire for an insurance policy in case things get worse.
How crazy?
There's the man-made "volcano" that shoots gigatons of sulfur high into the air. The space "sun shade" made of trillions of little reflectors between Earth and sun, slightly lowering the planet's temperature.
The forest of ugly artificial "trees" that suck carbon dioxide out of the air. And the "Geritol solution" in which iron dust is dumped into the ocean.

Senate passes hazardous waste bill

Oklahoma State Senate, March 7, 2007
"Senate approves measure classifying animal waste as nonhazardous"
Classifying animal waste as nonhazardous is critical for the State of Oklahoma and its livestock industry. That's according to Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, author of Senate Bill 709 which declares manure as a nonhazardous material.
"This bill is critical to the State of Oklahoma because we have such a large livestock industry. It’s approximately a $5 billion industry,” said Justice, R-Chickasha. “If this were to be classified as a hazardous material then it would not only affect all of the livestock producers but it would affect people all across the state.”

Around the Nation

The Minnesota Daily, Feb. 27, 2007
"Legislature might boost U organic research funding"
The University might become a little greener and more natural.
The Legislature is considering giving the University more than $2 million to research organic agriculture.
The appropriation would create ongoing funding for new staff positions, graduate assistantships and equipment to research organic agriculture at the St. Paul campus, UMore Park and outreach centers in Lamberton, Waseca, Morris and Crookston.
[...]

University of Delaware Daily, Feb. 27, 2007
"Small business innovation expo set March 13"
Technology companies throughout the state are invited to attend Delaware's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Expo, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, at UD's Clayton Hall Conference Center.
The event is sponsored by the Delaware Small Business Development Center and its technology assistance program. The center is a partnership of UD's Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, the Delaware Economic Development Office and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
[...]

The Casper (Wyoming) Star Tribune, Feb. 27, 2007
"Utah legislature announces huge K-12 budget increase"
Legislative leaders announced an agreement Friday to raise funding for public education by $450 million, by far the biggest increase ever for Utah's crowded schools.
Senate and House Republicans said the new money -- which boosts state aid to elementary and secondary schools to $2.6 billion, up nearly $1 billion since 2003 -- will build more schools, expand all-day kindergarten, hire more teachers, raise their salaries and buy more computers, books, supplies and materials for classrooms.
[...]

USA Today, Feb. 27, 2007
"States consider tobacco tax hikes"
More than a dozen states are considering higher tobacco taxes this year, most often to help millions of uninsured people get health coverage.
Four of the most closely watched proposals call for tax hikes of $1 per pack or more, an increase attained by only four states in the past. Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle wants a $1.25 increase. Iowa, Maine and Maryland are considering $1.
[...]

The Houston Chronicle, Feb. 21, 2007
"Houston learning lessons on WiFi"
As Houston embarks on the nation's largest municipal wireless Internet project, experience elsewhere raises an important question: Will it really work?
Skepticism is justified, considering the problems with service quality that cities much smaller than Houston have experienced after spending big bucks on wireless systems. Some networks haven't met expectations, providing spotty service, weak connections or signals that users can't access indoors.
[...]

FCW.com, Feb. 21, 2007
"City uses energy auction to save money"
The city of Worcester, Mass., expects to save more than $870,000 on electricity it acquired through an online energy auction.
The city tapped World Energy Solutions’ online auction platform to buy electricity for more than 400 accounts, including all city buildings, public schools, streetlights and the convention center. World Energy conducts reverse auctions in which multiple sellers submit bids to supply a commodity specified by the buyer.
[...]

Around the State

The Daily Oklahoman, Feb. 25, 2007
"Discover Oklahoma: Site features state's political history"
While the recent gathering of Oklahoma's seven living governors focused on the new First Families exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma Centennial celebration, numerous other sites and exhibits reflect our state's political history.
They range from the Peter Conser House near Heavener and the George M. Murrell House in Park Hill to the A.J. Seay Mansion in Kingfisher and the T.B. Ferguson House in Watonga — all pre-statehood. They also include Carnegie Library and Masonic Temple in Guthrie, the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, the Marland Mansion and Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City, the Robert S. Kerr Museum near Poteau and the Carl Albert Center at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.
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Oklahoma State Senate, Feb. 22, 2007
"Committee Approves Measure to Reduce Copper Theft "
A bill designed to address the growing incidences of copper theft in Oklahoma has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 472, by Senator Cliff Branan, was approved by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee on Thursday.
“This crime can actually put people’s lives at risk, especially the elderly, because it can leave them without air conditioning and power at the worst possible times—when the temperatures are in the triple digits,” Branan said.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 23, 2007
"House Votes to Modernize Truck Permitting Process"
The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted Thursday to modernize the state truck permitting system and boost that segment of the economy.
House Bill 1773, by state Rep. Mike Thompson, would earmark a portion of transportation funds to implement a computerized permitting system.
Under current law, truck permits are issued through a slow, archaic system often conducted for hours over the phone. The new system will allow permits to be issued immediately.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb.22, 2007
"Full House Passes Comprehensive Government Oversight Measure"
A centerpiece measure in the Oklahoma House Republican majority’s plan to ensure greater state government accountability and efficiency passed the House floor Thursday. The measure now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
"In this centennial year for Oklahoma, we have an opportunity to take the politics out of the state budget process and save taxpayers more money. This measure will go a long way toward achieving that goal," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), author of House Bill 2100. "It’s time to add an independent voice to the process so we can cut down on waste, duplication and inefficiency in state government. We’ll see tremendous savings from this plan over time."
[...]

Oklahoma State Senate, Feb.22, 2007
"Senate Committees Approve Bills to Shore up Teachers’ Retirement System"
Two bills aimed at shoring up the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma (TRS) are now headed to the full Senate for consideration. Sen. Mike Mazzei is the author of the measures, each of which would substantially reduce the 49 percent unfunded liability rate in the system within the next two decades. Combined, The bills would accomplish that feat in about half the time.
SB 1092 was approved by the Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee on Thursday. Mazzei explained the measure would increase the monies that the state, in combination with the school systems, puts into TRS. The increased employer contribution would be contingent upon available state dollars to cover that cost. Currently, the rate is 8 percent for common education employers, as well as two-year colleges and state agencies in the system. Four-year universities and colleges currently contribute 7.05 percent.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 21, 2007
"Teachers Could Receive Tax Benefits Under McDaniel Bill"
Oklahoma teachers who use their own money to enhance classrooms would receive tax benefits under legislation filed by state Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City.
McDaniel has filed House Bill 1053, which creates the Oklahoma Supporting Teachers’ Act, a proposed law that would provide a tax deduction up to $500 with proper receipts if a teacher spends out-of-pocket funds to enhance a classroom.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 21, 2007
"House Bill Offering 'Free State Parks' Day for Seniors Clears Committee"
Legislation that would show appreciation for Oklahoma’s senior citizens by offering them free "state park days" passed a vote of the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday.
House Bill 1294, by House Speaker Lance Cargill, is part of the House Republican majority’s Healthy Oklahoma platform, one of three key portions of the 2007 Year of Ideas Agenda.
[...]

Interesting story on wind farms

Tulsa World, Feb. 21, 2007
"Claremore Manufacturer: Trying to keep up: Wind farms generate Pelco pole orders"
When the doors are flung open, most new businesses face tough odds to survive.
But Pelco Structural LLC seems to have the opposite problem -- keeping up with demand for its custom-designed steel poles, which hold up traffic lights, signs, communications equipment and the like.
As the company celebrates is sec ond anniversary Thursday with a luncheon and open house, workers will chew on this fact: sales may grow 50 percent or more this year.
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Around the Nation

Kansas City Star, Feb. 18, 2007
"Shield Law bill faces uphill battle in Legislature"
New ideas often are a hard sell for legislators.
A case in point is shield law legislation languishing in the Senate. The intent is simple: protecting reporters from having to reveal their sources for stories.
While some question the need for such a law, supporters say it’s less about protecting reporters than protecting the public’s right to know, akin to state laws requiring most official records and government meetings be open to public scrutiny.
[...]

West Central (Minnesota) Tribune, Feb. 19, 2007
"Dairy investment credit gains support in legislature"
A bill to provide tax incentives to dairy farmers who improve their operations is gaining momentum in the Minnesota Legislature.
Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, has again introduced legislation to give dairy farmers up to a $50,000 tax credit for investing in the acquisition, construction or improvement of dairy facilities. The bill has been included in Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s budget proposal. If passed, the program would cost $5 million in 2008.
[...]

The Jersey Journal, Feb. 19, 2007
"Legislature uneasy about lease of roads"
The lease of New Jersey's toll roads will probably be an easier sell on Wall Street than it will be in Trenton.
As the Corzine administration continues to study the possibility of leasing the Turnpike, the Atlantic City Expressway and the Garden State Parkway - which analysts believe could bring the state billions of dollars - it's become clear there is strong opposition to the idea in the Legislature.
[...]

Sacramento Bee, Feb. 16, 2007
"Drive seeks to revamp term limits"
Gov. John Lynch submitted a $10.2 billion budget proposal to lawmakers yesterday that included a request to scrap the existing education-funding formula. Instead of sending more money to some communities and less to others, Lynch called for a flat increase of 5 percent to all school districts while legislators work to define - and eventually pay for - the adequate education called for by the Supreme Court.
[...]

St. Louis Today, Feb. 16, 2007
"State's clock ticking for St. Louis schools"
St. Louis Public Schools administrators will spend the next 12 days desperately combing years of student records in an effort to block an appointed board from taking control of the city schools.
Their goal is to improve the college placement rate enough to retain the district's provisional accreditation. But even if the district can pick up the accreditation point it needs, the state could intervene based on the district's financial picture. The decision is up to the State Board of Education.
[...]

The Dallas Morning News, Feb. 16, 2007
"Texas companies plan wind, gas, coal power plants"
Several Texas energy companies offered Thursday to build a string of wind, gas and coal-fired power plants and transmission lines across the Panhandle that could lessen the state's future dependence on coal while supplying enough electricity for more than a million Texas homes.
More than 15 proposals were filed with the Public Utilities Commission to meet a Thursday deadline for competitive renewable energy zones, mostly in the Panhandle and West Texas.
[...]

From Around the State

OK Blue Notes (Feb. 1, 2007)
"State Rep. Praises 100 Ideas"
from Rep. Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City)
[...]
We will embrace a new way for you and your family to communicate ideas, suggestions and concerns through “100 Ideas for Oklahoma Innovations for the Second Century.”
You may contact me directly at the above address or access the website for ideas or concerns at 100ideasok.org and provide your responses online.
The selection of the best ideas for Oklahoma will begin immediately and the final 100 ideas for Oklahoma will be published in the future.
I look forward to speaking with you and getting to know more about the issues that concern you and your family as we work together to build a great “Foundation for the Future.”
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 1, 2007
"McDaniel Leads Open Government Initiative"
As session kicked off this week, both Governor Henry and House Republicans called for providing Oklahoma citizens with a more transparent and open government this year and State Rep. Randy McDaniel plans to lead the way.
Governor Brad Henry ended his State-of-the-State address yesterday by asking legislators to improve government transparency and openness through establishing a user-friendly Web site that shows exactly how tax dollars are spent.
McDaniel has already filed legislation to shine a light on how tax dollars are used by all state agencies. His bill has already gathered significant support from fellow House Republicans.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 7, 2007
"Key Portion of House GOP Education Agenda Passes Committee"
A key House Republican measure that promotes higher standards of excellence in Oklahoma schools cleared a major legislative hurdle today.
Building on House Republican education reforms passed in the last two years, House Bill 1593 focuses on expanding the Academic Achievement Awards program. The measure, authored by Rep. Tad Jones, passed unanimously out of the House Education Committee today.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 7, 2007
"Bill Creating Special Health Care & Technology Task Force Passes House Subcommittee"
Legislation creating a state task force that will examine the incorporation of information-sharing technology into Oklahoma’s medical community cleared a significant legislative hurdle today.
House Bill 1818, which creates the panel, passed out of the House Public Health Committee today. The task force’s main goal would be to look at creating a secure structure for sharing specific patient information among providers. The move would make most medical records paperless and allow doctors and other medical care providers to quickly and simply share a patient’s medical information.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 6, 2007
"Reynolds Calls on Governor to Address Water Issues"
Gov. Brad Henry’s failure to include water issues in his 2007 agenda could harm long-term economic growth in Oklahoma, state Rep. Mike Reynolds said today.
"If Governor Henry is truly concerned about building Oklahoma’s economy, he needs to start with the issue most in need of a long-term fix: a secure water supply,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.
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Tulsa World, Feb. 9, 2007
"Drought easing in most of state"
The drought has weakened its grip on Oklahoma, thanks to several shots of snow, sleet, ice and rain this winter.
More than half of Oklahoma is not suffering from drought conditions, according to data from the U.S. Drought Mitigation Center -- the first time that's happened since October 2005.
That's good news for grill masters, gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts, and even better news for the state's $8 billion agricultural sector.
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