Energy Task Force to Include Closed-Door Meetings in House-Approved Bill

 

A bill creating another new energy-related state task force has won approval in the State House but it would also be exempt from the Oklahoma Public Meeting law.

House Bill 2151 by Tulsa Rep. Weldon Watson was approved on a 68-20 vote despite opposition from Stillwater Rep. Cory Williams.

He argued if state funds are involved in the creation of the Oil and Gas Regulation Modernization Task Force, its meetings should be open to any member of the public.

But Rep. Watson responded by stating that some oil and gas groups on such a task force might want to protect industry secrets.

“We had the same situation with the Governor’s Seismicity Task Force where meetings were closed,” said Rep. Williams.

The Task Force would study lateral well issues and other topics related to the oil and gas industry.

Listen to some of the questions raised about the bill.