Oklahoma Cities
For many Oklahoma cities and counties, the past few months have marked a period of uncertainty as the implications of the new oil and gas law have left them with little clarity. signed on June 22, 2023, the new law forbids the state from doing business with any company associated with the industry.[[3](https://oklahomawatch.org/2023/07/20/oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-of-new-oil-and-gas-law/)] Since then, Perkins, OK, Glencoe, OK, Ripley, OK, Morrison, OK, and Langston, OK, have all felt the impact of the change.[[1](https://www.newsbreak.com/oklahoma-state/3102076596910-oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-of-new-oil-and-gas-law)] As these cities and counties adjust to the new reality, they must navigate the ever-shifting landscape of the oil and gas industry, all while considering the uncertain fate of jobs, revenue, and their local economies.
Table of Contents
- 1. Overview of Oklahoma’s New Oil and Gas Law
- 2. Unclear Intentions of the New Law
- 3. Impact of the Law on Oklahoma Cities and Counties
- 4. Questions & Answers about the Law’s Implementation
- Q&A
1. Overview of Oklahoma’s New Oil and Gas Law
Background and Provisions
Oklahoma passed a new oil and gas law in July 2023 that forbids the state from doing business with oil and gas companies that have not been updated to current safety and environmental standards.[[3](https://oklahomawatch.org/2023/07/20/oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-of-new-oil-and-gas-law/)]. This new law has generated both confusion and support among Oklahoma’s cities and counties, whose local governments had previously already been empowered to impose safety regulations.[[3](https://oklahomawatch.org/2023/07/20/oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-of-new-oil-and-gas-law/)] The new law’s provisions were broad in that they covered business with services connected to all areas of the oil and gas industry.
The law also addressed the terms of oil and gas leases in Oklahoma, outlining the specifics of the compensation that must be provided to the lessor and the rights of the lessee. These provisions include payment of royalties for the oil and gas developed from a lease, the removal of oil and gas from the leased premises, and the enforcement of restrictions.[[2](https://www.hayeslegalsolutions.com/oil-gas-law)] It also provided guidance on how to interpret the language commonly used in oil and gas leases. This language includes legal citations, which must be properly interpreted in order to understand the full scope of the agreement.[[1](https://www.law.cornell.edu/citation/basic-legal-citation.pdf)]
2. Unclear Intentions of the New Law
Concerns for Uncertain Intentions
The new law has raised many questions amongst the citizens as it remains unclear what the original intentions of the bill were. Many have argued that the text of the document lacks a meaningful definition and interpretation and is written in a convoluted manner- leading to a lack of clarity in understanding the goal of the piece of legislature. [[1](https://nou.edu.ng/coursewarecontent/JLS%20726.pdf)]
The ambiguity in understanding the text of the law has created uneasiness around it and a disconcerning feeling that the ruling body may have alternative motives in its implementation. This concern has been further fueled by its swift passage with minimal discussion or amendment, which has caused speculation that its true intentions are being hidden and kept from the public view. [[2](https://writingproject.fas.harvard.edu/files/hwp/files/writing_in_east_asian_studies.pdf)]
Lacking Clarity
The new law lacks clear directives and definitions- leaving many citizens confused and worried that the legislation may harm them in some way. The ambiguity of the law has caused much confusion and unease as it is difficult to determine the purpose or implications of its implementation. [[3](https://wac.colostate.edu/docs/books/writingspaces2/writing-spaces-readings-on-writing-vol-2.pdf)]
Additionally, many have speculated that the ruling body may be using the law to target individuals or certain groups for reasons that are being left unspoken- exacerbating the publics confusion and mistrust. This feeling of distrust towards the new law has caused citizens to be increasingly wary and questioning their government’s motives.
Overall, the new law has been met with confusion and uncertainty, as its intentions and implementation are unclear. Citizens are left with feelings of distress and mistrust as they wonder what the implications of such a law may be.
3. Impact of the Law on Oklahoma Cities and Counties
Length: 250-650 words.
Oklahoma is home to a large number of cities and counties, which have been affected by the state’s law. The choices made on changes to the law can have an impact on the economic, social, and political facets of these entities. This post section will focus on the impact of the law on Oklahoma’s cities and counties.
- Economic Impact: Oklahoma cities and counties face significant economic challenges, due to changing state laws. The reduction in taxes for businesses in certain areas can lead to a decrease in local revenue, as businesses seek to lower taxes. Also, policies related to land and water rights can easily affect the economic viability of local government entities. This can prevent them from providing essential services for their citizens, including basic utilities and services. Furthermore, when the state decides to use economic incentives, they can have a major influence on the economic structure of an area.
- Social Impact: Changes to the law can also have a huge effect on the social landscape in Oklahoma. For example, many states pass laws that make it easier to open or close businesses, which can lead to major changes in the social dynamics of a particular area. Additionally, the passage of laws that limit certain types of activities, such as gambling or prostitution, can have a major impact on the social structure of an area. Also, when the state passes laws that make it easier to purchase a liquor license, it can significantly alter the social atmosphere of a given area.
Ultimately, the changes to the law made by Oklahoma can have a great impact on the cities and counties located in the state. Although the economic and social aspects are the most obvious, the political climate can also be affected. In particular, changes to the law that affect the rights of citizens can have a powerful influence on the political landscape of an area. [[1](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/SciCrunch/NIF-Ontology/master/scicrunch-registry.ttl), [2](https://worldwidescience.org/topicpages/i/including+writings+papers.html), [3](https://dokumen.pub/professional-feature-writing-6nbsped-1032380799-9781032380797.html)]
4. Questions & Answers about the Law’s Implementation
In 2021, the new copyright laws will take effect, and many people still have questions about the implementation and enforcement of those laws. Here, we’ll look at four common concerns.
1. Will the new laws be retroactive?
- No. The new laws only apply to material created or published after the law’s effective date. Generally, any original works created or published before 2021 will maintain their current copyright terms. [[1](https://blog.hubspot.com/service/faq-page)]
2. Are all materials in the public domain?
- No. The public domain includes creative materials that are not protected by intellectual property laws such as copyright, trademark, or patent laws. Consider consulting a lawyer to determine if an item is publicly available or subject to copyright. [[2](https://fairuse.stanford.edu/overview/public-domain/welcome/)]
3. Who is liable for copyright infringement?
- The person responsible for the infringing activity – usually the person who copied, modified, or shared copyrighted material – is liable for copyright infringement. Additionally, those who help perpetrate the infringement (e.g., ISP’s, online service providers, etc.) may also be held accountable for their role in the infringing activity. [[3](https://www.theedublogger.com/copyright-fair-use-and-creative-commons/)]
4. What is fair use?
- Fair use is an exception to copyright infringement that permits limited use of copyrighted materials for educational, commentary, or parody purposes. The determination of what constitutes fair use depends largely on the purpose and character of the use, as well as the nature of the copyrighted work. [[3](https://www.theedublogger.com/copyright-fair-use-and-creative-commons/)]
At the end of the day, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities under the new copyright laws. Understand that with the changing landscape of intellectual property law, there can be exceptions to enforcement – but that doesn’t mean you should take any risks. Consult with a lawyer if you have any questions or concerns about your rights or responsibilities related to the 2021 copyright laws.
Q&A
Q: What is the new law in Oklahoma regarding oil and gas?
A: The new law in Oklahoma is a prohibition on the state from conducting business with banks related to oil and gas leasing. [[1] Oklahoma Cities(https://www.energyportal.eu/news/oklahoma-watch-oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-of-new-oil-and-gas-law/94354/)].
Q: Does the law affect the 2023-2028 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program?
A: The 2023-2028 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program will not be affected by the new law in Oklahoma, which only applies to bank transactions related to oil and gas leasing. [[2](https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/oil-gas-energy/national-program/2023-2028_Proposed%20Program_July2022.pdf)].
Q: How are Oklahoma cities and counties responding to the law?
A: Oklahoma cities and counties are struggling to understand the implications of the new law and to navigate the uncertainty it has created. [[3](https://flipboard.com/topic/greencountry/oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-of-new-oil-and-gas-law—oklahoma/f-e234f2683d%2Foklahomawatch.org)].
The uncertainty of the new oil and gas law in Oklahoma is affecting cities and counties all across the state. [[1](https://www.newsbreak.com/oklahoma- Oklahoma Cities state/3102076596910-oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-of-new-oil-and-gas-law)], [[2](https://www.allsides.com/news/2023-07-20-0428/general-news-oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-new-oil-and-gas-law)] and [[3](https://www.energyportal.eu/news/oklahoma-watch-oklahoma-cities-counties-navigate-uncertainty-of-new-oil-and-gas-law-2/97477/)] report that the law has caused conflicting interpretations of permissible activity among municipalities, which is creating a difficult situation for many in the region. As the state grapples with the potential implications of the law, it is unclear how the uneven playing field between cities and counties might be remedied. Until then, Oklahoma’s cities and counties must remain diligent in navigating the uncertainty of the new oil and gas law.