Posted on Jan 29, 2018

The Chairman of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Dana Murphy, was our guest speaker at the Jan. 23rd meeting. Murphy, who was elected by her fellow commissioners as their chairman in 2017 provided much information on topics ranging from Wind Energy, Earthquakes, Phone bills, and Gas pricing at the pump.  She also discussed the appropriation process and the role the commission plays in tracking and disclosing the efficiency of the various branches of regulatory agencies under their administration.

The OCC is the largest of the various state government agencies with over 350 employees and total budget of over $300Million.

The Commission regulates and enforces the laws and supervised the actives associated with:

  • The exploration and production of oil and gas
  • The storage and dispensing of petroleum based fuels
  • The establishment of rates and services of public utilities
  • The operation of intrastate transportation

Early emphasis for the commission was on regulation of railroad routes and rates. Through changes by the Legislature, and the change in services considered essential to the public welfare, the commission presently regulates public utilities, oil and gas industry (exploration, drilling, production and waste disposal), motor carrier transport, and petroleum products industry (transportation, storage, quality and dispensing). The commission also monitors a number of federal programs for compliance in Oklahoma. The commission also oversees the conservation of natural resources, avoiding waste production, abate pollution of the environment, and balancing the rights and needs of the people of Oklahoma with those of the regulated entities.

Dana had finished her discussion of the Commission and in her closing remarks did mention that she has tossed her hat in the running for Lt. Governor in the coming election. She gave a very short request for us to consider her qualifications when we go to choose at the next election.