Simpson appointed to Key Energy Committee Position

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman has announced the appointment of Sen. Frank Simpson to represent Oklahoma on the Energy & Environment Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC).  

“I am very honored that Senator Bingman would choose me to represent Oklahoma at this very important conference.  Carter County is the leading energy producer in the state and as such has the ability to drive the Oklahoma economy,” said Simpson, R-Ardmore.  “My goal is to ensure that Oklahoma has a leading role in the development of energy policy among the southern states.”

Simpson will be attending the SLC annual meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, July 27-29.  The following issues will be discussed at the committee meeting: energy exploration in the southern states, infrastructure development, and grid security.

“New technology and low natural gas prices have made many of the region’s major reserves a primary focus of energy exploration.  This energy boom holds enormous economic potential and the capacity to generate broad-based economic growth across the southern states.  Oklahoma can gain a competitive edge by the development of the natural gas industry.”

SLC was founded in 1947 and is the largest of four legislative groups operating under The Council of State Governments.  SLC includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Oklahoma.