Oklahoma Lawmakers, Local Officials Push Back Against Biden-Backed Energy Corridor Ahead of Federal Announcement

BRISTOW, Okla. – Oklahoma lawmakers and local officials are mounting opposition to a controversial 18-mile-wide federal energy corridor as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) prepares to make an announcement on the project Monday.

The proposed corridor, part of an initiative backed by the Biden administration, would facilitate the Delta Plains transmission line, a high-voltage electric corridor spanning 645 miles across northern Oklahoma and Arkansas. Designed to connect the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) grids, the project aims to improve grid reliability and support renewable energy transmission. However, critics argue it jeopardizes private property rights, bypasses state protections, and threatens local communities through eminent domain.

House Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, recently filed House Concurrent Resolution 1001, vowing legislative action to stop the project. The resolution, co-sponsored by Sen. Grant Green, will be considered during the 60th Legislature in February.

“The people of Oklahoma will not stand for private landowners being forced to surrender their property through federal condemnation,” Hilbert said. “There are state processes in place to get community input and engagement on pending projects of this nature, and I urge anyone in the path of this proposed corridor to come and let their voices be heard tonight on this issue.”

Local officials have also voiced strong opposition. In November, Payne County Commissioners Zach Cavett (District 1), Chris Reding (District 2), and Rhonda Markum (District 3) declared the energy corridors illegal, asserting that the project would harm Payne County’s history, economy, culture, and quality of life.

“This also has the ability to hurt our local utility providers who fall under the regulation of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission while these NIETCs will be able to circumvent local rules and regulations, which is unacceptable,” said Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene.

Earlier this week, a town hall at the Creek County Fairgrounds drew residents and landowners concerned about the corridor’s impact. Lawmakers encouraged the public to remain engaged as the DOE decision nears.

“This proposed federal land grab could set a dangerous precedent,” said Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow. “We stand ready to do all we can at the Legislature to stop it and look forward to working with a DOE under President-elect Trump, who will better understand and respect private property rights while pushing American energy independence.”

The Delta Plains transmission line, which critics attribute to the Biden administration’s energy policy, has sparked widespread concerns about its effect on property values, land use, and the environment. Proponents argue the corridor is crucial for renewable energy integration and alleviating grid congestion.

The DOE is expected to make its announcement Monday, potentially setting the stage for legal and legislative battles over the project.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Woman Hospitalized After Ottawa County Jail Detention; Investigation Underway

Image
Woman Hospitalized After Ottawa County Jail Detention; Investigation Underway By Miami News-Digest | January 29, 2025 MIAMI, Okla. – The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after a woman sustained injuries while in custody at the Ottawa County Jail. Leah Sanko was booked into the jail on Jan. 22 following her arrest by Miami Police Department officers at Integris ER for reported combative behavior. An affidavit filed on Jan. 24 detailed felony assault charges against her. Sometime between Jan. 22 and Jan. 27, Sanko exhibited physical injuries to various parts of her body. During a virtual court hearing, a judge noted her visible injuries and ordered her to appear in person. Sanko was released from custody on Jan. 27 and was transported by a parent to Mercy Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. ...
Read more

Authorities Search for Armed Robbery Suspect in Multiple Oklahoma Cities

Image
Authorities Search for Armed Robbery Suspect in Multiple Oklahoma Cities MIAMI, Okla. — Law enforcement agencies are searching for a suspect involved in three armed robberies that occurred early Friday morning in Miami, Claremore, and Adair, Oklahoma. The suspect, described as a Black male wearing a dark blue hoodie and a ski mask, was armed with a handgun during the robberies. The crimes occurred between 12:11 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on February 2, 2025. The timeline of the robberies is as follows: 12:11 a.m. in Miami, Oklahoma 1:05 a.m. in Claremore, Oklahoma 7:30 a.m. in Adair, Oklahoma After the robbery in Claremore, authorities found the suspect’s getaway vehicle, a dark gray Jeep Cherokee with blacked-out ...
Read more

Sheriff of Ottawa County Requests OSBI Investigation into Jail Incident Involving Sanko

Image
Sheriff Requests OSBI Investigation into Jail Incident Involving Sanko By Inquisitor Miami News-Digest MIAMI, Okla. — Ottawa County Sheriff David Dean has requested an independent investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) into an incident involving an arrestee, Sanko, at the county jail. Sheriff Dean issued a press release stating that, at this time, it does not appear that Sanko was assaulted while in custody. In his statement, Sheriff Dean confirmed that an OSBI agent has been assigned to the case. He also noted that the Ottawa County District Attorney’s Office has dismissed criminal charges against Sanko, as there was no indication that Sanko could form criminal intent at the hospital. Full Statement from Sheriff Dean The matter. At this time, it does not appear that any person assaulted Sanko. I have requested the Oklahoma Bureau of ...
Read more