Political Report Notebook: Inhofe pans fracking report:
BY RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer
Sunday, December 23, 2012
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe criticized a progress report
on an Environmental Protection Agency
study of the effects of hydraulic fracturing
on drinking water. The study is looking
at the effect on water supplies from
the use of large amounts for fracturing
and possible pollution.
Inhofe said Friday’s report “is more
proof that the administration is not in
search of truth, but rather for justification
to regulate hydraulic fracturing and
cripple the oil and gas industry.”
The 278-page report draws no conclusions
and, in fact, cautions that none
should be drawn. Mostly, it reviews
operational details of the study, which
is not scheduled for completion until
2014.
Inhofe, however, objects to it on the
grounds that it will lead to federal regulation
of fracturing.
“The Obama administration has been
looking for this justification since Inauguration
Day, and I have no doubt that
the president will continue to do this for
the sake of his environmental agenda,”
Inhofe said.
Bonds could go over the fiscal cliff: State Treasurer Ken Miller pointed out
this week that among the casualties of
a plunge off the fiscal cliff could be a
primary funding vehicle for state and
local government — the tax-exempt
bond.
The tax exemption for interest from
state and local bonds is one of those
set to expire unless Congress and the
president come to an agreement on
what’s called an “extender.” Reportedly,
the Senate has an extender bill ready
to go, but it has been held up because
of the stalemate over the broader fiscal
cliff issues.
Miller says a failure to extend the
exemption could increase the state’s interest
costs by $30 million and by much
more than that for local governments
and school districts.
Lucas announces co-chairs: Third
District Congressman Frank Lucas,
chairman of the House Agriculture
Committee, announced subcommittee
chairs last week.
They are: Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa,
Department Operations, Oversight and
Nutrition; Rep. K. Michael Conaway, RTexas,
General Farm Commodities and
Risk Management; Rep. Glenn “G.T.”
Thompson, R-Pa., Conservation, Energy
and Forestry; Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga.,
Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology
and Foreign Agriculture; and Rep. Rick
Crawford, R-Ark., Livestock, Rural Development
and Credit.
Democrats offer scholarship: The Creek
County Democratic Party is offering a
$500 scholarship in honor of longtime
chairwoman Willene Wright. The scholarship
is open to graduating seniors
in Creek County who are registered
Democrats or who have at least one
parent or guardian who is a registered
Democrat in Creek County.
Details and application forms are
available on the group’s Facebook
page or by emailing creekcountydemocratscholarship@
hotmail.com or calling Stan or Jane Johnson at 918-227-1586.
Application forms will also be available
from area high school counselors.
Applications must be postmarked no
later than March 16.
