The Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) this week voted to deny the sale of about 625 acres north of Okarche in Kingfisher County. There was much local speculation that the property could have been converted into a possible hazardous waste disposal site.
I was thankful to be able to attend the executive session in which this was discussed. I support this CLO decision and believe it will best protect the long-term agricultural value of this land as well as neighboring properties along U.S. Highway 81 north of Okarche. The mission of the CLO is to manage state-owned lands to maximize long-term investments, with profits used to help our Oklahoma public schools and to protect the value of the lands they manage.
I was also privileged to speak at Governor Stitt's water conference held December 3 in Norman. This conference and research symposium is held annually to bring together experts in Oklahoma water policy and science from local, state and federal agencies and organizations, as well as industry leaders, students and researchers.
I spoke on the importance of red cedar eradication and the upcoming challenge of water requirements with data center expansion throughout the state. Sen. Chuck Hall vowed to support a “robust” funding package for upgrading water infrastructure statewide, along with finally addressing the red cedar issue in Oklahoma.
As we all know in Western Oklahoma, water is a precious commodity. We are always trying to balance conservation with freedom for our farmers, ranchers and other land owners. The experts who spoke at this conference addressed many of the needs for agriculture and ranchland, individual water wells, protection from evaporation and toxins and much more.
Friday, Dec. 5, was the deadline for legislators to request new bills for the next legislative session, which convenes Feb. 2. Because this is the Second Session of the 60th Legislature, we will still be able to advance bills that did not make it all the way through the legislative process last year. I have a number of bills I will pursue this year, including upgrading water infrastructure and continuing our efforts to eradicate red cedars and other invasive species statewide.
On a final note, I would like any high school junior or senior interested in paging in my office for a week during the legislative session, to apply for the House page program. Details about the program and an online application form can be found on our House website: https://former.okhouse.g ov/Pages/. This is a great way for young adults to learn the basics of state government. During the week, pages get to practice writing, debating and voting on legislation, and they are introduced to lawmakers and peers from across the state.
I hope all of you enjoyed a blessed Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. I'm excited for the events and celebrations to come in the weeks ahead as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Please remember, if I can help you with anything, do not hesitate to reach out. You also can follow regular updates on my House Facebook page or call or email anytime at (405) 557-7407 o r Mike.Dobrinski@okhous e.gov.
God Bless!