Cockroft Column: Dealing with Seismic Operators

I have heard from numerous constituents about their frustrations over seismic operators who are entering private property amd causing extensive damage without providing proper compensation for that damage. The damage quickly becomes a financial and logistical headache for the property owner. After looking into the matter, I wanted to pass on information that may be helpful to those of you dealing with this problem.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has had rules in place that dictate the procedures which each seismic company must follow for entry, as well as the customary amount paid to surface owners for damage done to the surface owners’ property. The rules state that payment shall range from $5 to $15 per acre. This has always been the typical fee. The rules also state that the company doing the exploration is responsible for excessive damages. Until this year, these rules haven't been in state statute.    

I understand the frustration of a land owner who is having problems with a seismic company trying to encroach on their property and causing extensive damage. I also know that seismic companies sometimes apply tremendous pressure on landowners to comply with their demands for seismic exploration. The $5-15 they provide per acre can seem like a pittance in the face of the damage incurred.

I would advise individuals facing such problems to contact the seismic company in question and inquire as to which company has hired them to do the seismic drilling. Once you obtain the name of the company, then contact them. It is in the best interest of the energy company who hires the seismic exploration company to make sure all disputes are settled. I have talked to several energy companies and have found that they want to do what is best for everyone, especially landowners. They understand that the seismic exploration is a great inconvenience and want to make it right if damage occurs. That’s just good business. They hire the seismic companies, so they want to make sure it is done right and everyone is happy.

If the energy company doesn’t fix the problem, I would contact the Corporation Commission next. I have spoken with Donna Darnell, who is the Oil & Gas Complaints Manager at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. She is the liaison between you and the energy companies and is always available at (405) 521-2613.  In most cases, disputes are easily settled by arbitration. It is almost always handled without involving an attorney.

I would urge you to use this process to approach the problem. If I can be of further assistance, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7349.

Tecumseh Lawmaker Calls for Relief for Farmers

State Rep. Josh Cockroft is calling on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to work together to release water from Lake Thunderbird into the Little River basin.

            “Farmers and ranchers have been pleading for relief as their wells and irrigation systems are drying up due to the drought,” said Cockroft, R-Tecumseh. “My office has sent letters to each of these agencies asking for water to be released. Many farmers and ranchers wells have already dried up and crops have been ruined due to the lack of water in the river basin. I am confident that water could be safely released without hurting Norman’s water supply.”

            Cockroft represents House District 27, which includes the outskirts of Norman and the towns of Little Axe, Pink, Macomb, Tribbey, Tecumseh, Harjo and Maud. Each of these areas is directly affected by the Little River basin.

            Lake Thunderbird is a federally-owned water storage facility under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. The Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District operates and maintains the dam, lake and raw water pumping and delivery system under contract with the Bureau of Reclamation.

            The amount of water used by the cities of Norman, Del City and Midwest City for municipal water purposes is based on a surface water permit issued by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board regulates the maximum amount of water used for water supply purposes.

            “I have studied this issue thoroughly at the request of farmers and ranchers in my district and I believe this is an appropriate and much-needed solution to local drought conditions. I expect a quick response from the agencies involved,” Cockroft said.

Celebrating Our Freedoms

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate our American heritage and the men and women responsible for defending us from tyranny and terrorism. Today’s active-duty military men and women endure harsh desert conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan. These brave men and women also sacrifice time with their families while risking their lives to protect Americans and deter dangerous dictators and groups seeking to prey upon the weak and the oppressed.

On this Fourth of July, I would ask that we all take time to ponder the freedoms that we have and give thanks to those who have contributed to or who continue to contribute to our security and liberty today. We are a nation of free thinkers and courageous lovers of freedom and are so privileged to be able to enjoy the protection of a robust military force. For that we should all celebrate.

We should also celebrate the sure judgment our Founding Fathers, men who were devoted to forming a better nation with never-seen-before ideals of protecting its citizens from the tyranny of an overreaching government. Leaders throughout our nation’s history have worked to improve our government’s respect for its citizens and to lead them through difficult times. I for one am extremely grateful to them.

May God richly bless you  and may you have an excellent Fourth of July weekend!

During the interim I will be traveling throughout the district, but will be available anytime for your calls or emails to my office. Call me at:(405) 557-7349 or email me at: https://webmail.okhouse.gov/owa/redir.aspx?C=a28451f52f0d473caade1e368353d0ea&URL=mailto%3aJosh.Cockroft%40okhouse.gov.

Tecumseh Lawmaker Deeply Disappointed by Supreme Court Decision

State Rep. Josh Cockroft said today he is deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the federal health care law.

            “Today the Supreme Court basically told Congress and President Barack Obama that any mandate goes, as long as there is a financial penalty attached to it. I am outraged that the Supreme Court would allow the federal government so much power,” said Cockroft, R-Tecumseh.

            “The reality is this: the health care law will result in the largest tax increase in American history. The effect will be disastrous for individuals and businesses alike. This law will give us all less control over our personal health care decisions while driving up costs across the board. This gives the government unprecedented, sweeping power over its citizens, as long as it includes some form of a tax. As an American, I am hurt and saddened by this decision.”

            Cockroft urged Americans to use this difficult period in our history to take control over our government.

            “These decisions today must spark a passion inside every American, a desire to listen and understand the gravity of where this country is headed. We cannot continue to push our problems down the road, but rather we must take a stand for what is right,” said Cockroft.

           

Lankford: Holder has No One to Blame but Himself

Washington, D.C. – Representative James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement after today's vote in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to hold the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General Eric Holder in Contempt of Congress.

“The Committee has patiently asked for specific documents regarding the Fast and Furious operation,” Representative Lankford said. “Unfortunately, the DOJ and AG Holder have used every excuse in the book to stall, delay, and obstruct our investigation.  AG Holder also informed our Committee that the statements given to Congress were not false, they were ‘evolving truth.’”

A copy of the report considered in today’s hearing can be viewed here.

“Refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena comes with consequences including the loss of public trust and being held in contempt,” Representative Lankford continued. “The American people and the Terry family deserve honest answers regarding the Fast and Furious operation, and I am frustrated with DOJ’s disingenuous attempts to circumvent that responsibility.

“My goal is to answer the following questions: who authorized the Fast and Furious actions; why were the actions authorized; who was in charge of operational oversight; and why were the actions allowed to continue?  Now, we must also add the question, what is the Administration trying to hide with such extraordinary methods?

“The Administration has previously denied involvement in the Fast and Furious operation, but now they have invoked Executive Privilege. If no wrongdoing occurred, why would the Administration ardently fight investigation? Executive Privilege only increases the speculation that facts are being withheld to protect people rather than resolve the issue. Candidate Obama's pledge of transparency and openness has deteriorated into Executive Privilege and obfuscating a congressional subpoena.

“We must make sure this type of operation and loose oversight never occurs again. We will hold this Administration accountable for its misconduct,” Representative Lankford concluded.

Governor Fallin Signs ‘Open Carry’ Legislation into Law

Governor Mary Fallin today signed into law Senate Bill 1733, a measure that allows Oklahoma citizens to openly carry firearms.  The bill permits those who are licensed, or already have been licensed, to carry a firearm under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act to openly carry a weapon or conceal it.  It also allows property owners to openly carry a firearm on their property without a concealed carry permit for the purpose of self defense.

To receive a license under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act, applicants must take a firearms safety and training course and submit to a background check by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.  Those convicted of felonies and certain misdemeanors may not receive a handgun license.

With Governor Fallin’s signature on SB 1733, Oklahoma becomes the 25^th state with either “permissive open carry” laws (no permit required) or “licensed open carry” (permit required). Oklahoma now joins Utah, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Hawaii and Massachusetts as a “licensed open carry” state.

“As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and a gun owner myself, I’m happy to sign this bill into law and grant law-abiding citizens the ability to openly carry firearms,” Fallin said.  “Senate Bill 1733 sends a strong message that Oklahoma values the rights of its citizens to defend themselves, their family and their property. It does so in a responsible way, by requiring those citizens who choose to ‘open carry’ to undergo both firearms training and a background check.”

Businesses may continue to prohibit firearms to be carried on their premises.  SB 1733 prohibits carrying firearms on properties owned or leased by the city, state or federal government, at corrections facilities, in schools or college campuses, liquor stores and at sports arenas during sporting events.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Anthony Sykes and Representative Jeff Hickman.

“I want to thank Senator Sykes and Representative Hickman, as well as the entire Legislature, for their commitment to protecting the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans,” Fallin said.

Cockroft Column: Cost-savings legislation progresses

Initial proposals for an income tax cut and phase-out have been altered significantly, because of budget concerns and opposition to the elimination of key tax exemptions and credits. Although the cuts will be smaller than we had originally believed, I believe we are still paving the way for future, responsible taxt cuts, through legislation that will improve our management of State resources. The large focus of this years legislative session has been our budget. Even though major tax cuts aren't on the table for this year, we have passed numerous cost-saving measures. Here are just a few examples:

House Bill 2262 authorizes the sale of excess state properties in order to pay for the maintenance needs of important state-owned buildings like the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Senate Bill 1096 initiates an energy conservation program for state agencies, institutions and assets. This program would save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars by directing all state agencies and higher education institutions to achieve an energy efficiency and conservation improvement target of at least 20 percent by the year 2020.

An energy conservation program that began in 2007 at Oklahoma State University has decreased energy consumption campus-wide by 19 percent, resulting in some $19 million of savings. Conservative projections show the state could potentially reduce energy consumption by 20 to 30 percent, resulting in approximately $300 to $500 million in net savings over ten years.

Under House Bill 2204, anyone who knowingly continues to receive unemployment benefits after securing a new job would be required to pay back all of the falsely obtained benefits plus a penalty equal to 25 percent of the overpayments. The money raised by the penalties would go back into the unemployment trust fund which helps keep taxes low, while a portion will be used to pay for fraud investigations. The bill also allows employers that terminate employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol without being required to provide those terminated employee’s unemployment benefits.

    The entire budget process has been a long continued conversation. I believe it’s been a great process of bi-partisan work to meet in the middle on this issue. You can be proud that your legislators are working diligently to iron out the details to do what is best for Oklahoma. When this happens, the result is a better, safer Oklahoma!  

To contact my office, call (405) 557-7349 or e-mail josh.cockroft@okhouse.gov. I am also available on Facebook and on Twitter at votecockroft27.