The Latest in Oklahoma: July 25, 2025
A&A Advocates
ConocoPhillips is in advanced talks to sell its Oklahoma assets in the Anadarko Basin to Stone Ridge Energy for approximately $1.3 billion. The assets include 300,000 net acres producing around 39,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, about half of which is natural gas. Flywheel Energy, based in Oklahoma City and backed by Stone Ridge, would operate the assets if the deal goes through. The sale would help ConocoPhillips exceed its $2 billion divestment goal following its $22.5 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil and assumption of $5.4 billion in debt.
Oklahoma students are facing higher rates of housing instability than the national average, contributing to chronic absenteeism and disrupted education. In Oklahoma City Public Schools, 60% of students experiencing homelessness were chronically absent in the 2024–2025 school year, and similar trends were found in Tulsa, where eviction hotspots overlap with absenteeism. Frequent school transfers due to eviction harm academic outcomes, and Oklahoma’s fast eviction process increases this risk. While districts like OKCPS and TPS are creating local support programs, advocates stress the need for broader state-level action to ensure long-term stability for students and their families.
After the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes established an Environmental Protection Commission and asserted regulatory authority over oil and gas activity on their lands, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) dismissed their claim, stating operators should proceed as usual.The tribes had passed three environmental laws in 2025 and informed operators they would enforce regulations like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. However, the OCC argued the tribes lack the federal “Treatment as a State” (TAS) designation needed to exercise such authority. Legal experts noted that a 2005 federal rider gives Oklahoma veto power over tribal TAS applications and allows the state to extend environmental oversight onto tribal lands.
The fifth annual State Suppliers Expo will be held August 5–6 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, offering Oklahoma businesses a free opportunity to connect with state agencies, learn about bidding on government contracts, and network with public officials. Last year’s event drew 700 attendees from over 500 companies, resulting in $286 million in state business, including $147.7 million with Oklahoma-based firms. This year’s expanded agenda includes new breakout sessions from the University of Oklahoma, OSU–A&M System, Oklahoma County, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. On-site registration opens at 8 a.m. each day for those who missed the pre-registration deadline.
President Trump’s newly signed budget bill imposes stricter eligibility requirements and cost-sharing rules on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially stripping benefits from an estimated 131,000 Oklahomans. Beginning in 2028, states with high error rates in benefit distribution, like Oklahoma, will be required to cover a larger share of program costs. The changes include expanded work requirements and new restrictions on immigrant eligibility, prompting concern from food banks already strained by rising demand. Critics warn that the cuts will increase food insecurity, especially among children and low-income families, while shifting a significant financial burden to the state.
Interim Studies
Click to view the House and Senate interim studies.
Upcoming Deadlines
07/25/25: Deadline for the Speaker to announce approved House studies.
10/31/25: Deadline for Senate studies to be completed.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Recent development projects have reshaped the city’s landscape,” the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber said about the U.S. News and World Report ranking Oklahoma City the ‘Best Big City to Live In.’ “From the upscale OAK retail and dining district to the immersive OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark, which promises to boost tourism and generate new jobs. Adding to the city’s momentum is the new OG&E Coliseum, a state-of-the-art arena designed for equine shows, concerts and year-round events.”