Inhofe Participates in Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Elgin Facility
Oklahoman: Cannon Manufacturer, Test Site Are "A Big Deal" in Elgin
Lawton Constitution: Artillery Facility; BAE Anchor in new Elgin Industrial Park
Inhofe Tours Fort Sill, Hears From Soldiers About Concerns Raised In USA Today Article
Inhofe Statement on Department of Defense Announcement of Taiwan Arms Sales
Inhofe in Woodward to Present $1 Million EDA Grant
Inhofe Says New Drainage Project Good News for Bixby
Bixby Bulletin: Inhofe Says Energy Top Issue for Americans
Inhofe Tours Duncan Regional Hospital
Shawnee News-Star: Inhofe Promotes Energy Bills
Poteau Daily: Inhofe Talks Energy Reform
Tulsa World: Inhofe, Owasso Leaders Discuss U.S. 169 Funds
Inhofe Tours Tiger Truck Facility
Inhofe Tours Navistar International IC Bus Plant in Tulsa
Inhofe Visits Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Inhofe Meets with Canadian County Officials
KTEN: Oklahoma US Senator Jim Inhofe Visits Ardmore
In Case You Missed It...A Carbon Education (Wall Street Journal Editorial)
In Case You Missed It...Smaller Oil, Gas Producers Could Receive Tax Relief (Journal-Record)
Enid
302 N Independence
Suite 104
Enid, OK 73701
(580) 234-5105
Map this | Directions To
Washington D.C. Office
McAlester
215 E Choctaw Ave
Suite 106
McAlester, OK 74501
(918) 426-0933
Map this | Directions To
Washington D.C. Office
Oklahoma City
1900 NW Expressway St
Suite 1210
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 608-4381
Map this | Directions To
Washington D.C. Office
Tulsa
1924 S. Utica Avenue
Suite 530
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 748-5111
Map this | Directions To
Washington D.C. Office
Washington
453 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4721
Map this | Directions To
Washington D.C. Office
Inhofe Participates in Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Elgin Facility
Senator Inhofe was in Elgin, Oklahoma Monday to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for BAE Systems' new 10,000-square-foot facility in the Elgin Industrial Park near Fort Sill that will house the integration of the Non-Line of Sight Cannon (NLOS-C), the Non-Line of Sight Mortar (NLOS-M), and the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM). Initial assemblies of components for the NLOS-C will begin this summer at the Initial Assembly Facility revealed today.
Senator Inhofe delievered the following remarks at the ceremony:
Thank you, it's a pleasure and honor to be here in Elgin today. Today's event has been a long time in the making.
We started this back in 2004 when, as chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, we reauthorized the Economic Development Administration, making $2,250,000 available for the development of the Elgin Industrial Park. Now, four year later, through the perseverance of many people who are here today, we will officially open the Fort Sill Industrial Park that will support the development and final integration of the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon, the Non-Line-of-Sight Mortar, and the Paladin Integrated Management program.
There is no better location than Elgin for the future development of field artillery as well as other elements of the Army's Future Combat System. Its proximity to Fort Sill enables combat systems to roll off the assembly line and onto the testing range. This is a great day for Elgin and Oklahoma - but that is not the reason why we are here or why this facility was built.
Today is about our National Security, the future of our United States Army, and, most importantly, our Soldiers. The security environment of the 21st century is unclear. The United States will face adversaries employing tactics that range across the entire spectrum of warfare - a combination of conventional and asymmetric warfare will be the norm in future conflict. As this nation continues to fight in the Global War on Terror, the Army will continue to provide the Joint force the capabilities it needs to persist in our struggle for liberty and democracy.
We must ensure our Soldiers have the equipment to meet all challenges in this dynamic security environment. While air power, precision-guided bombs and missiles often receive all the glamour on the modern battlefield, cannon artillery still plays a critical role in today's fight by serving as the only 24-hour, all-weather reinforcement for the infantry soldier - a fact proven in recent conflicts.
All of us here are familiar with the history of the NLOS-C's predecessor, the Crusader, and you know how disappointed I was when that program was cancelled in 2002. However, the cancellation of Crusader was a blessing in disguise.
We took all we had learned about building 21st century artillery and moved it into the concept of Future Combat System. The Army's Future Combat System and the NLOS-C will ensure the United States Army maintains its status as a world leader in combat capability on, above, and around the battlefield. The Paladin PIM gives the Paladin increased lethality and interoperability with FCS by replacing hydraulics with electric gun drives and other components that share commonality with the Non-Line-Of-Sight Cannon
Congress and this nation must remain committed to supporting our soldiers, committed to ensuring they are properly manned to be able to engage globally across the spectrum of conflict and committed to ensuring that when we send them into harm's way, they will have best training and equipment available.
It is true that FCS is the most expensive Army Modernization program to-date, which has made it an easy target for some Members in Congress. But let me remind you that we are not just building an individual weapons platform. FCS combines what would otherwise be 15 major acquisition programs into one integrated program.
This is the transformation and modernization of the entire Army. FCS comprises only 3.7 percent of the Army's total budget...it is well planned and budgeted. Soldiers are already using FCS-like technologies on the battlefield:
-Chemical and biological detectors
-Light-weight composite armor to protect Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan from powerful IEDs
-Small unmanned ground vehicles called the Packbots are being used in explosive ordnance disposal operations
-The Excalibur precision artillery round being developed for the NLOS-C is currently being used by artillery units in Iraq with stunning success
I am pleased that we are getting these technologies into the field where they are saving lives. However, we will not realize the true value of FCS until we have the entire system fully fielded. Each year, more FCS technologies are scheduled to "spin out," enhancing current capabilities. FCS' network is on track and is being fielded incrementally over time with more capability.
I am excited at what I see here today...it is just a beginning and the potential of this facility is limitless. I congratulate BAE and Elgin for their dedication, expertise and leadership in making today a reality.
Oklahoman: Cannon Manufacturer, Test Site Are "A Big Deal" in Elgin
The Oklahoman
Cannon Manufacturer, Test Site are 'A Big Deal' in Elgin
Tue August 26, 2008
By Jennifer Palmer
Business Writer
ELGIN - The first business at Elgin's Fort Sill Industrial Park opened its doors Monday, bringing jobs and opportunity to this city with a population under 1,500 in southwest Oklahoma.
BAE Systems, a Maryland-based global defense company, will occupy a 10,000-square-foot building in the new industrial park. BAE Systems will focus on production of the Army's Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon vehicles and eventually provide about 100 jobs.
Elgin Mayor Larry Thoma said the new facility is a "big deal" for Elgin and has been in the making for about 10 years. "A lot of people put their heart and soul into this project," he said.
Operations center coming
BAE Systems also plans to build a 150,000-square-foot operations center to anchor the Fort Sill Industrial Park; completion is planned for 2009. Thoma said he hopes BAE's presence will draw other military-related companies to the area.
The project is BAE Systems' first venture into Oklahoma. The company employs 100,000 people worldwide, and its sales in 2007 exceeded $31.4 billion.
The two Elgin facilities will be the final assembly and test site for the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannons before they are delivered to the Army. Upgrades to the Army's Paladin Integrated Management program also will be completed there.
Location is key
Elgin was an ideal location for the industrial park because it has direct interstate and railroad access, and is adjacent to the live range at Fort Sill, said U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, who was present for the opening ceremony Monday morning.
"We're looking for more great things to happen in Elgin," he said.
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who also spoke at the ceremony, said she was especially proud of the partnerships created to bring BAE Systems to southwestern Oklahoma.
Lawton Constitution: Artillery Facility; BAE Anchor in new Elgin Industrial Park
Lawton Constitution
Artillery Facility; BAE Anchor in new Elgin Industrial Park
BY MITCH MEADOR
ELGIN - BAE Systems' 10,000-square-foot initial facility became the first building to open in the Fort Sill Industrial Park in southwest Elgin on Monday.
The words, "This is a great day in Southwest Oklahoma," seemed to echo from every pair of lips at an opening ceremony that brought together representatives of BAE Systems, the City of Elgin, the Elgin Economic Development Authority, the Lawton Industrial Foundation, the City of Lawton, the Fort Sill community and more.
Elgin Mayor Larry Thoma shared an inside joke that he and David Kolker of Elgin Realty had agreed to do a little jig when the building finally opened. Thoma said they wouldn't do it in public, because it wouldn't be very pretty, but Dennis Morris, president of Armament Systems for BAE Systems, said he would be watching for the video on YouTube.
"We're excited about this day because it's been a long time coming. And we're thrilled about it," said Thoma, praising contractor Mike Kimbrough of RCJ Construction Inc., Lawton, for doing yeoman's service on the building.
The initial facility is only a part of the good things that will be coming to the park, Thoma said. Elgin has a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project that's coming to fruition, and BAE is in the process of buying $3.5 million worth of bonds so Elgin can bring in the infrastructure needed to develop the Fort Sill Industrial Park. Thoma said bids will be opened Sept. 9, and construction of BAE Systems' 150,000-square-foot operations facility is going to begin in just a few weeks.
"We see ourselves as sort of the anchor store in the mall for the industrial park," Mark Signorelli, vice president of Army programs for BAE Systems' Armament Systems, said before the ceremony started. "In this building we will be building subsystems for vehicles that we'll deliver in 2009, and then also starting those subsystems for the vehicles that we'll deliver from the operations facility in 2010. ...
"Right now we have five employees in Elgin, and we're going to continue to ramp up as we bring more work into this initial facility. When we get the main facility on line, we'll have a staff of about 100 employees.
"We intend to bring as much work here as we can. We're excited about the workforce, the community and the potential here," Signorelli said. "We're going to do the Non-Line of Sight Cannon and Non-Line of Sight Mortar here. We're going to do the Paladin (Integrated Management system) program here. And we're looking for other work that's appropriate to the facility that we can bring in here."
"On behalf of the 100,000 men and women of BAE Systems around the world, it's a pleasure to be able to welcome all of you here to our newest home here at the Fort Sill Industrial Park," Morris said. "As I look around at the progress that's being made here, the one word that comes to mind is commitment.
"Today we're not just about celebrating the doors opening on the first phase of the Fort Sill Industrial Park, but we're celebrating a commitment to this outstanding community. Our company committed to work with the people of the Comanche County region to develop an industrial park in Elgin that would serve as production center for the most advanced field artillery system in the world, supporting the men and women who serve in uniform.
"We knew if we could cast the vision for establishing operations here, the hard-working people of Oklahoma would take care of the rest. We've walked the long road during the past decade, but the building you see here is a demonstration that our commitment was unwavering, and this community is on the verge of something great," Morris said.
Morris said the opening also represents a commitment to the men and women in uniform, to provide them with the very best equipment when they go into battle.
"To all of our soldiers with us today, we are grateful for your tireless and inspiring commitment. You have never let us down, and we, together with the people of Southwest Oklahoma, pledge to serve you with the same dedication that begins right here with the opening of our new facility," Morris said.
Morris said no one has been more committed to establishing BAE Systems in Elgin than U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, whom he called "vital to the continued success of the Non-Line of Sight Cannon and ensuring the revolutionary capabilities of this system reach the hands of our soldiers as quickly as possible."
In his off-the-cuff remarks, Inhofe made the prediction that John McCain will be the next president, because that will leave the path open for Inhofe to become chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
More military spending?
"What we want to do when that happens is start a massive rebuilding," said Inhofe, ROkla. He noted that the percentage of the gross domestic product spent on defense had been 5.7 percent over the past 100 years, but by the end of the Clinton administration it had dropped to 2.7 percent. He wants to see that figure go back
up to between 4.5 and 5 percent.
Inhofe recognized the contributions of Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole; John Mullett, who was working on the project before BAE Systems acquired United Defense; and John Bonsel, his former military affairs staffer.
In his prepared remarks, Inhofe said the effort started in 2004 when the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that he chairs reauthorized the Economic Development Administration, making $2.25 million available for the development of the Fort Sill Industrial Park.
"There is no better location than Elgin for the future development of field artillery as well as other elements of the Army's Future Combat System. Its proximity to Fort Sill enables combat systems to roll off the assembly line and onto the testing range. This is a great day for Elgin and Oklahoma - but that is not the reason why we are here or why this facility was built.
"Today is about our national security, the future of our United States Army and most importantly, our soldiers. The security environment of the 21st century is unclear. ... We must ensure our soldiers have the equipment to meet all challenges in this dynamic security environment," Inhofe said.
"This was an exciting day," said Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, calling it an affirmation of the partnership between BAE Systems, the City of Elgin and Fort Sill. She noted that as big as the initial facility seems, the operations facility will be 15 times larger.
"We believe as it ramps up and a year from now is going full steam ahead, that other industries will see how strong the community is, how widereaching the area is in terms of the workforce, and that they will be willing and looking forward to opportunities within this industrial park as well," she said.
Askins said one of the reasons that Elgin has the industrial park is because the City of Elgin and the Elgin Economic Development Authority were able to go to the State School Land Commission and purchase school lands for the project.
"The School Land Commission is a trust dedicated to making the best use of school lands for the benefit of education, and there are times that more than an agricultural lease has a great benefit. This is one of those opportunities, and it took a lot of effort and a lot of persistence - I think about 13 or 14 months of work - for the City of Elgin to be able to acquire this property. But persistence paid off," said Askins. "It's a great day today."
Inhofe Tours Fort Sill, Hears From Soldiers About Concerns Raised In USA Today Article
After visiting Fort Sill on Monday and meeting with Wounded Warriors, Fort Sill commanders, and touring the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) barracks, said in a statement that he is confident that commanders at Fort Sill were resolving the issues raised in the August 18, 2008 USA Today article. Senator Inhofe also emphasized he remains committed to continuing to closely monitor conditions at Fort Sill.
"After meeting with several of the Wounded Warriors, the Commanders at Fort Sill and touring the Ft. Sill Warrior Transition Unit today, I am confident that the issue of mold is being resolved." Senator Inhofe said. "Upon reading the USA Today article from August 18, 2008 that reported on mold being present in dorms of the WTU, my immediate concern was the health and safety of everyone on base. It is my understanding, after talking with Wounded Warriors and leaders at Fort Sill, that no soldier on base suffered any health issue due to the mold in the barracks.
"Over the past week, I have been working closely with the commanders at Fort Sill to ensure all WTU issues are addressed and prompt action was taken. I discussed with the leadership at Fort Sill the inspections in April and July when mold was discovered in the WTU barracks. In each case, leadership at Fort Sill assured me they took steps to determine the type and source of the mold, and then initiated mold remediation and prevention work. This includes cleaning vents and air ducts as well as scheduling replacement of air ducting. Where mold was found behind wallpaper, soldiers were immediately moved from the room.
"I was particularly pleased to meet with several of the Wounded Warriors. I listened carefully to their concerns and suggestions for improving the WTU. Importantly, the troops I talked to today said they liked the monthly town hall meetings held by Major General Vangjel and felt the leadership listened and understood their issues and were taking action. None of the soldiers I met with today discussed mold in the barracks, but rather talked about other challenges including delays in medical processing, shortage of doctors and nurses, and confusion on medical status due to receiving multiple and conflicting orders.
"I feel strongly that our troops deserve the best. As a Senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will ensure WTU issues remain a priority with the Department of Defense. Oklahomans take great pride in our numerous military installations across the State of Oklahoma and they can rest assured that I will continue to monitor conditions here at Fort Sill and at bases across the country."
Inhofe Statement on Department of Defense Announcement of Taiwan Arms Sales
Senator Inhofe, a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, released the following statement on Thursday on the announcement by the Department of Defense of selling $90 million worth of anti-ship missiles to Taiwan.
"Today's announcement by the Department of Defense of the arms sales is certainly welcome news," Senator Inhofe said. "The possibility of a 'freeze' by the administration had led me and several of my Senate colleagues to write a letter to the President expressing concern over such a possible action. While I believe today's announcement is definitely a positive step in the right direction, I am disappointed that the sale falls short of meeting our commitment to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.
"In addition to the anti-ship missiles, the Taiwan government has approved funds to procure a significant package of weapons to further its military modernization efforts. Among those requests were twelve P3-C planes, three PAC-II missile upgrades, eight diesel submarines, thirty Apache helicopters, E-2 aircraft upgrades, sea-launched Harpoon missiles, precision attack missiles and importantly, sixty-six F-16 fighter aircraft. I look forward to working with the President Bush to see that these sales happen as soon as possible.
"The importance of the relationship between Taiwan and the United States cannot be overstated. Taiwan is one of the strongest democratic partners of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region and serves as a model of freedom and democracy. The relationship between Taiwan and the United States has benefited both our countries for over half a century and will continue to for centuries to come. A strong Taiwan helps bolster peace and stability in this strategically important region."
Background:
Senator Inhofe joined several of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to President Bush urging him to carry-out the United States' commitment to provide Taiwan with weapons systems consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act.
On August 12, 2008, Senator Inhofe spoke with President Ma Ying- jeou and reaffirmed their mutual support for continued arms sales and need for recognition of Taiwan in world organizations.
Inhofe in Woodward to Present $1 Million EDA Grant
Senator Inhofe, Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today presented a check to the city of Woodward, Oklahoma, for a $1 million grant, which he worked to secure from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). According to EDA, the grant announced today will lead to 192 jobs in Woodward and generate $1.6 million in private investment.
"I am pleased to be in Woodward today to present a $1 million dollar grant from EDA that will help build the Woodward Community Campus," Senator Inhofe said. "The campus will be located next to and work jointly with the new facility constructed by Northwest Oklahoma State University, to offer academic and economic development programs and assistance for the area. Woodward and surrounding communities in Northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle stand to benefit greatly from this economic development grant.
"In Oklahoma over the past five and a half years, EDA grants have resulted in almost 12,000 jobs being created or saved. Investments of about $22.7 million have leveraged another $ 24 million in state and local dollars and more than $437 million in private sector dollars. This local experience is confirmed by studies that show that EDA uses federal dollars efficiently and effectively, creating and retaining long-term jobs at an average cost that is among the lowest in government."
Bill Fanning, Mayor of Woodward, welcomed today's news and praised Senator Inhofe for his efforts, saying: "Today is truly a great day to be in Woodward. This EDA grant is a great addition to the 5th fastest growing city in Oklahoma. I would particularly like to thank Senator Inhofe for all of his tremendous work in securing federal assistance not only today, but for his previous efforts including assistance for downtown enhancements, improvements at our airport, and buildings at southern plains range research center. Woodward is certainly grateful for Senator Inhofe's continued leadership."
Patty Sheetz, Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs for EDA, also spoke at today's event and said: "No one is more thankful for Senator Inhofe's leadership than EDA. This new workforce training center is a great example of Senator Inhofe's leadership to Woodward County. The fact is our national economy cannot be strong without strong regional economies."
Background:
As Chairman of the EPW Committee in 2004, Senator Inhofe sponsored the last reauthorization of EDA. In July 2008, Senator Inhofe introduced legislation to reauthorize the EDA. EDA works with partners in local communities to create wealth and minimize poverty by promoting favorable business environments to attract private investment and encourage long-term economic growth.
Other Oklahoma communities that have benefited from EDA grants include Durant, Clinton, Oklahoma City, Hobart, Seminole, Miami, and Elgin.
Inhofe Says New Drainage Project Good News for Bixby
Senator Inhofe was in Bixby, Oklahoma yesterday and participated today in a dedication ceremony to dedicate the FEMA Downtown Drainage Project. The project was part of a master drainage plan that provided a total of $22 million in community improvements for the city.
"Today is a great day for Bixby," Senator Inhofe said. "For too long the City of Bixby has suffered from repetitive drainage problems. I was pleased to work closely with city officials to find ways to help alleviate this problem."
Micky Webb, City Manager of Bixby, praised Senator Inhofe for his assistance: "The Original Township and Midland Addition areas of the City of Bixby have suffered repetitive drainage problems for the one hundred years that the city has been in existence. The drainage system or lack thereof has been a reality that citizens have had to live with during that time. The city with the assistance of our federal elected officials particularly U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe have now made tremendous strides in alleviating those problems."
Bixby Bulletin: Inhofe Says Energy Top Issue for Americans
Inhofe says energy top issue for Americans
By Randy Cowling,
08/28/2008
OWASSO - The high cost of gasoline and energy are the top issues facing Americans. That's the analysis of Oklahoma's senior senator Jim Inhofe, who visited with residents Thursday morning.
Inhofe spoke and took questions from about 40 residents inside an airport hangar at Gundy's Airport.
He said Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid continues to block efforts of senators to vote on energy issues.
Congressional leaders return to Washington D. C. on Sept. 8 for about 14 days. Inhofe doesn't believe much will be accomplished on energy during that short session.
Inhofe who is the ranking minority member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said his committee has 30 applications for new nuclear plants. He said Sen. Reid continues to block any further development or expansion of nuclear plants because the Nevada senator doesn't want more nuclear waste sent to Yucca Mountain in Nevada.
Inhofe said he supports the efforts of T. Boone Pickens, who is wanting to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil and shift to wind turbines that could produce natural gas.
Inhofe said a gallon of natural gas would cost less than one dollar.
Inhofe Tours Duncan Regional Hospital
Senator Inhofe travelled to Duncan, Oklahoma on Monday to visit Duncan Regional Hospital. As a member of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, Senator Inhofe has long fought to ensure Oklahomans receive the best possible health care.
"Here in Oklahoma where much of the population lives in rural areas, high quality hospitals such as Duncan Regional Hospital provide an invaluable service," Senator Inhofe said, "Today I appreciated the opportunity to meet with CEO Scott Street and the executive team at Duncan Regional. They took me on a tour of the hospital where I enjoyed seeing their new Cancer Center and plans for additional developments that will benefit Duncan and surrounding communities here in Southwest Oklahoma.
"Through my time in Congress, I have consistently worked to ensure both urban and rural Oklahomans have access to quality healthcare. For example, I recently worked to include provisions in Medicare legislation for ambulance payments in rural areas as well as additional payments for rural home health services and support for rural hospitals, such as Duncan Regional."
Background:
Over half of Oklahoma's population is served by rural hospitals. Senator Inhofe is proud to sponsor legislation to improve the affordability and accessibility of health care in rural regions. He is cosponsoring the Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2007 (S.1605) a bipartisan bill to increase funding for Critical Access Hospitals and make Medicare payments more equitable in rural regions. Sen. Inhofe was successful in getting parts of this bill included in this year's Medicare legislation.
Sen. Inhofe is the sponsor of the Preserving Access to Hospice (PATH) Act of 2008 (S. 2727) to ensure America's terminally ill seniors have access to hospice care. It will protect many small family-and-community-owned hospices in Oklahoma from being forced to close and discharge significant numbers of terminally ill patients, possibly into more expensive care.
Sen. Inhofe is the cosponsor of the Tax Equity and Affordability Act of 2007 (S. 397) along with fellow Oklahoma Senator Coburn to amend the Internal Revenue Code to make health care more affordable and accessible. He is also the cosponsor of the Health Care Equity Act (S. 2835) which provides equal access to quality health insurance for individuals struggling to afford private health care, giving them the same tax benefits as those with employer-sponsored coverage.
In the current session of Congress, Sen. Inhofe, along with his colleagues, pushed for increased funding of 11 important rural health programs - some of which were passed in the Health Safety Net Act (S.901).
Shawnee News-Star: Inhofe Promotes Energy Bills
Inhofe Promotes Energy Bills
By Amanda Gire
Posted Aug 27, 2008
SHAWNEE, Okla. - It's no secret that rising energy costs are affecting what residents pay at the pump. This correlation has U.S. legislators creating and passing bills to provide affordable fuel.
"The price at the pump is the issue today," U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe said during a visit to Shawnee Wednesday. "A secure energy supply must be grounded in three key principles - stable, diverse and affordable."
Inhofe said that when Congress reconvenes in three weeks, the goal is for the Senate to pass a bill - whether it concerns increased drilling, developing alternative energy practices or increasing refinery capacity.
"We will get this done because of the support of the public," he said.
Inhofe is teaming with U.S. Rep. Dan Boren to overcome obstacles relating to natural gas and marginal well production. Their goal is to keep oil and gas wells economically viable and producing with the Marginal Well Production legislation.
"As Americans continue to suffer from high energy prices, we need to take advantage of domestic resources of oil and natural gas," Inhofe said in a press release.
Inhofe said some of the proposed legislation would create more opportunities for domestic oil drilling and focus on wind, nuclear and alternative energy.
"We need to run this machine we call America," Inhofe said.
Proposed bills, including the American Affordable Fuels Act of 2008, Gas Price Reduction Act of 2008 and Gas PRICE Act, would allow oil companies to increase their refinery capacity and open domestic sources.
Inhofe said by increasing refinery capacity, the United States would keep up with demand.
"If we had all the fuel in the world, it wouldn't do us any good if we can't refine it," he said.
Inhofe said the proposal is to build new refineries on closed military bases. He said a new refinery hasn t been built since 1976, and refining capacity is not keeping pace with today's demand. The Gas PRICE Act would improve the permit process of expanding existing facilities and the construction of new facilities.
During the past sessions, the Senate also addressed bills that affect American soldiers who are returning to the United States from Iraq, Inhofe said. One is a GI Bill update, which extends education for troops to their spouses and children.
Other upcoming legislation focuses on veteran retirement benefits, increased health benefits and enhanced medical treatment. Inhofe said the bills will ensure that benefits will be available to veterans when they come home.
Poteau Daily: Inhofe Talks Energy Reform
Inhofe Talks Energy Reform
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
By David Deaton
As the ranking member and former chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, U.S. Senator James Inhofe believes that if environmental regulation were improved, "We could be in a better position in the future and find ourselves in a place where we can have far greater environmental protection, more reliable and diverse energy sources and a strong economy."
Inhofe was in Poteau to greet a large crowd of constituents at Western Sizzlin' on Tuesday.
"In my career I have championed policies that encourage the U.S. to meet its energy needs domestically," Inhofe stated. "Developing energy at home translates to energy security to ensure stable sources of supply. Today more than ever before, our energy policy is a matter of national security. This means we must work to increase domestic energy productions by expanding development and the refining of oil, increasing exploration and production of natural gas, continuing development for uses of coal and clean coal technologies, developing renewable sources of energy such as wind, and further developing nuclear energy. Right now we have 32 applications in place for nuclear power plants throughout the country."
Inhofe supports T. Boone Pickens' energy plans.
"We should be drilling everywhere for natural gas," Inhofe said.
He added that America is far too dependent upon foreign powers for our sources of oil.
"The price of gas is the biggest issue facing Americans today," Inhofe said. "I believe that we should not buy gas from other places when we have plenty of resources here."
As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Inhofe is a supporter of the United States military forces, and believes they deserve the best training and equipment this nation can provide. He is aware of the shortfalls in the military's budget that have occurred over the years.
"I will continue to support and fight for Altus Air Force Base, Fort Sill, McAlester's Ammunition Plant, Tinker Air Force Base and Air Logistic Center and Vance Air Force Base," Inhofe added.
Tulsa World: Inhofe, Owasso Leaders Discuss U.S. 169 Funds
Tulsa World
Inhofe, Owasso Leaders Discuss U.S. 169 Funds
by: RHETT MORGAN World Staff Writer
8/29/2008
OWASSO - Buoyed by remarks Thursday from U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, city leaders remain encouraged about locating federal funding for a U.S. 169 widening project.
"Based on everything I've heard and what I've heard today, our efforts are paying off to get 169 funded," City Manager Rodney Ray said after Inhofe's re-election campaign stop at Gundy's Airport. "We're pretty stinkin' excited."
Over the last two years the city has paid a Tulsa consulting firm roughly $252,000 to seek initial federal funding for widening U.S. 169 to six lanes from 56th Street North to 116th Street North, Assistant City Manager Sherry Bishop said.
The highway is the primary route to Tulsa for Owasso commuters, and traffic can be nearly bumper-to-bumper during peak driving times.
"Our goal was to get the federal government to recognize our project and allocate funding for it on any level," Ray said. "We know that the major funding for it is going to come in the reauthorization act. That's where we focused."
As part of the Senate's Environmental and Public Works Committee, Inhofe several years ago helped oversee the development of a multiyear reauthorization bill covering transportation projects nationwide.
The ranking minority member of that committee, Inhofe said Thursday that the panel already has had four meetings on the reauthorization bill for 2009.
Inhofe praised the work of Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley in assessing the state's needs.
"This guy is really good," he said. "What would be helpful to me is work with him and work with these (ODOT) commissioners so that when we're brought in, we know that we have the state support. I think you might be very pleased with what happens."
Ray said the city was notified last month that about $350,000 in appropriations earmarked for environmental studies had been approved for the project. A second request for an additional $4 million has been submitted, he said.
Inhofe said he will better know by September 2009 where the project stands.
Bishop said the cost of upgrading the six-mile=2 0stretch has been estimated at $40 million.
A little farther south on U.S. 169, plans are more concrete.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2010 on widening the highway to six lanes from Interstate 244 to at least 46th Street North, ODOT spokeswoman Kenna Mitchell said. The cost of that project is $11.3 million, she said.
The average daily traffic count on U.S. 169 at Apache Street, two miles north of I-244, is about 57,000 vehicles, ODOT records show. Four miles north at 66th Street North, the volume is only a few thousand less.
Inhofe Tours Tiger Truck Facility
On Tuesday, Senator Inhofe visited Tiger Truck's new manufacturing facility in Poteau, Oklahoma. With the opening of this facility in July, 2008, Tiger Trucks became the first U.S. truck manufacturer to produce a Chinese design vehicle in the United States. Senator Inhofe also met with Mayor Jeff Shockley and several residents of Poteau and spoke with them about issues of interest to their city and community.
"I was pleased to meet with Mike Ward, founder and CEO of Tiger Truck Manufacturing and appreciated the tour of their brand new facility." Senator Inhofe said. "Oklahoma companies have long been on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, and Tiger Trucks in Poteau is no exception. In fact, Tiger Truck is the only truck manufacturer in the United States to produce a Chinese-style vehicle here in America. The production of these new trucks in Poteau will greatly contribute to Oklahoma's economy as well as America's transportation sector."
Mayor Jeff Shockley of Poteau today praised Senator Inhofe for his visit to Poteau, saying: "This is not Senator Inhofe's first trip to Poteau; he visits regularly. We appreciate his familiarity with and support for southeast Oklahoma."
Inhofe Tours Navistar International IC Bus Plant in Tulsa
Also on Tuesday, Senator Inhofe toured the Navistar International IC Bus plant in Tulsa with the plant's manager Grant Pick. During the tour, Senator Inhofe learned a brief history of the plant and company, and met with several Tulsans working at the plant.
"I was pleased to meet with Grant Pick and tour the Navistar International IC Bus facility. With over 1,000 employees, IC is an integral part of Oklahoma's economy as well as our nation's transportation sector," Senator Inhofe said. "This manufacturing plant, which originally produced bombers for the U.S. Air Force during World War I, now manufacture a large portion of our nation's school buses. Navistar IC Bus is just one of the companies here in Tulsa that keeps our city and state a leader in manufacturing and the transportation sector."
Also during the tour, Senator Inhofe met with workers at the plant who are working through the Bridges Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to help individuals with developmental disabilities successfully work in the workplace. IC Bus and Bridges have a successful partnership at the Tulsa Bus plant.
"The Bridges Foundation and the Tulsa Bus Plant have a tremendous relationship that truly benefits both the plant and our entire community. It was an honor to meet with these able and inspiring workers." Senator Inhofe said.
Background:
The Tulsa Bus Plant, a 115-acre manufacturing plant currently building the CE Series bus model, was originally built in 1941 by the U.S. Air Force to produce B-24 bombers.
IC Bus, LLC of Warrenville, Ill., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar International Corporation. The nation's largest manufacturer of school buses, IC Bus is a leader in passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. Additional information is available site at http://www.icbus.com/
Inhofe Visits Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Senator Inhofe's last event on Tuesday was to Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant to meet with University President Dr. Michael D. Turner.
"It was a pleasure to be back in Durant and visit Southeastern Oklahoma State University," Senator Inhofe said. "This is a big year for Southeastern as they celebrate 100 years of providing quality education to students from Oklahoma and surrounding states.
"I enjoyed meeting with Dr. Turner and discussing several important issues important to the university and higher education. As is the case throughout Oklahoma and the nation, Dr. Turner stressed the tremendous impact of higher energy prices on the school and student budgets. I assured Dr. Turner that working to bring down energy prices was my number one priority and that it will remain my focus when Congress gets back to work in September."
Dr. Turner, following the meeting with Senator Inhofe said: "I was glad to meet with Senator Inhofe and visit with him about the important work and education taking place at Southeastern. Our school benefits from the work he does in Congress and the whole community benefits as a result. Rising gas prices strain our university and operating costs as much as the rest of the nation, so it's good to know Senator Inhofe is fighting to bring sensible solutions to the energy crisis."
Inhofe Meets with Canadian County Officials
On Wednesday, Senator Inhofe was met with the city managers and mayors of Yukon, El Reno and Mustang, Oklahoma to discuss issues of importance to Canadian County and its residents.
"I was pleased to meet with the mayors and city managers and discuss issues of importance to the residents of these Canadian County communities," Senator Inhofe said. "As a former mayor of Tulsa, I understand the pressures on communities resulting from our growing infrastructure needs and unfunded federal mandates. That is why, through my leadership position on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I am proud to have successfully worked in the Senate to pass two major transportation bills, including the reauthorization of the Highway bill and the Water Resource Development Act. It is also why I have made unfunded federal mandates a top priority, as to ensure that communities across the country are not left short-handed while attempting to fulfill federal requirements."
Bob Broadway, Vice Mayor of Yukon expressed his appreciation for Senator Inhofe's work in the Senate: "Yukon certainly appreciates the continued personal involvement of Senator Inhofe in our needs and concerns for unfunded mandates, water and infrastructure. Senator Inhofe is and continues to be a good friend to Yukon and all of her citizens."
Scott Gibsob, Vice Mayor of Mustang also praised the Senator, saying: "As far as I'm concerned, if every state in the Union had a Senator Inhofe, we'd all be better off. His views certainly represent conservative Oklahomans."
KTEN: Oklahoma US Senator Jim Inhofe Visits Ardmore
Oklahoma's US Senator Jim Inhofe Visits Ardmore
Aug 25, 2008
Oklahoma's US Senator, Jim Inhofe, landed in Ardmore Monday for a Carter County Republican Candidates forum. Senator Inhofe told KTEN Monday afternoon his main issue is energy. KTEN's Meredith Saldana has more.
Senator Inhofe landed at Ardmore Executive Airpark Monday.
He says the vast majority of people in America and a greater majority in Oklahoma want the US to be energy independent and that he believes we can do it.
When asked if his Oklahoma roots had any influence on these ideas he said he thinks so.
"When I was a kid I used to work in the oil field and I know a little about it. I know that, yes, I want alternative energy but in the mean time we've got to run this machine called America. Now right down the party lines in Washington, in the United States Senate, all of the democrats are opposed to increasing supply energy. They're opposed to oil and gas, they're opposed to coal and you've got to have something to run this machine called America."
He added that Ardmore's own Noble Foundation and the new OSU facility are major researchers in this area and that he wants them to be able to use switch grass to help generate energy for America.
He says that ethanol mandates are causing prices at the grocery store to rise and that it's just not working.
Senator Andrew Rice just completed a tour of western Oklahoma visiting six cities over three days and says as he travels the state it is clear to him that Oklahoman's want someone in Washington who will put people before politics, someone who will do what's right for Oklahoma, not what's right for either political party. And that that's the type of Senator he'll be.
In Case You Missed It...A Carbon Education (Wall Street Journal Editorial)
Wall Street Journal
Opinion
A Carbon Education
August 26, 2008;
Page A20
Nancy Pelosi recently diluted her opposition to offshore drilling, but we're beginning to wonder if the House Speaker even knows why she opposed increasing domestic energy supplies in the first place. Ms. Pelosi appeared Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," where Tom Brokaw gently pointed out that the various Democratic alternative energy ambitions are "not going to happen overnight." Replied Ms. Pelosi: "You can have a transition with natural gas. That, that is cheap, abundant and clean compared to fossil fuels." Later, she again said that "I believe in natural gas as a clean, cheap alternative to fossil fuels," and that wind, solar, biofuels and "a focus on natural gas, these are the real alternatives."
Apparently Ms. Pelosi's new script is still being reworked, but it's a telling mistake. Not only is natural gas every bit as much a "fossil fuel" as oil or coal. More to the point, these concentrated organic compounds found beneath the earth's surface must be extracted by . . . drilling. And sometimes even drilling offshore, on the Outer Continental Shelf. But more drilling is what Ms. Pelosi had refused to allow just a few days ago.
Natural gas was once the toast of the Beltway, since it burns cleaner than oil and coal, though that was before Democrats became hostile to any form of carbon energy. But lately natural gas is making a comeback, thanks in part to the high-profile advocacy of T. Boone Pickens, who has been embraced by Democrats as the latest green champion. As a follow-up, we'd like to see someone ask Ms. Pelosi if she still supports more natural gas exploration once she learns that it's made from evil carbon.
In Case You Missed It...Smaller Oil, Gas Producers Could Receive Tax Relief (Journal-Record)
JOURNAL RECORD
Smaller oil, gas producers could receive tax relief
By Jerry Shottenkirk
OKLAHOMA CITY - About 80 percent of the state's oil and gas production comes from marginal wells or stripper wells, and the owners of such wells might be the beneficiaries of a tax break if Congress approves legislation co-sponsored last month by U.S. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., and U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla.
Stripper wells are those that produce either less than 10 barrels of oil per day or less than 60,000 cubic feet (60 MCF) of natural gas per day."Marginal wells can be different than stripper wells," said Bruce Bell, chairman emeritus of Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association of Oklahoma. "You can have a marginal well that makes significantly more than the 10 barrels or 60 MCF, but because it produces a lot of saltwater or it's very deep in nature, it can be much more expensive. Income off that well becomes marginal even though the amount is larger."
The main portion of the legislation would allow tax breaks and regulatory relief for the more than 65,000 wells in Oklahoma and more than 420,000 nationally that usually produce less than 10 barrels per day. It would increase the depletion allowance from 15 percent to 27.5 percent and would stop the net income limitation, which has not been in effect since 1998 but will be reinstated if Congress does not renew it.
Bell said the legislation would help keep the wells running for longer periods.
"You can have a well that's real marginal, but if you can get a tax break on the well it allows you to keep it pumping oil and gas," Bell said. "That is the objective of the legislation to make sure that even when prices are high you don't have to plug these wells that only produce a couple barrels per day."
Bell owns Edrio Oil Co. and would benefit from legislation, he said.
"Little companies like mine have lots of marginal wells," he said. "And we only have two that are not stripper wells. Even at the high prices for oil, when you only produce a barrel every other day and you have saltwater to get rid of, you get to the point where you're just not making any money on the well and eventually you end up plugging it."
Bell said the legislation is an attempt to delay the time in which these wells get plugged.
"Taken all together they still make a significant amount of oil and gas for our state and country," he said. "You get to the point where it doesn't do the government any good to tax you to a point where you have to plug that well. Even though the government always gets 7-percent gross production tax, the income tax would be small or even nonexistent. The government doesn't get any more money in forcing it to be plugged."
In introducing his plan, Inhofe said 335 million barrels of oil were produced by wells that produced less than 15 barrels per day last year.
Dewey Bartlett Jr., of Tulsa, who is chairman of the National Stripper Well Association and president of Keener Oil, said the importance of smaller wells and producers should always be considered.
"America's marginal wells collectively produce half as much oil as America imports from Saudi Arabia each year and are an important part of the domestic energy security equation," Bartlett said.
Jim Revard, executive director of the Oklahoma Marginal Well Commission, said he hopes producers secure the federal relief.
"This bill will allow operators to offset the rising cost of operations while making it possible to reinvest in new development of domestic oil and gas," Revard said.