I wanted to provide an update on the implementation of the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act. This act, put in statute through my House Bill 2239, created a pilot program to explore solutions to the red cedar infestation prevalent in our state.
I am proposing an expansion into a statewide program through the state Conservation Commission.
Work is underway in the north Canadian watershed training fire departments and burn associations on prescribed burn methods to create brushfree zones around communities and rural infrastructure. Mechanical removal also is underway in Boiling Springs State Park and scheduled at Roman Nose State Park as well.
The documentation of these efforts will give a framework of research to expand the program statewide.
I'm also the House author of Senate Bill 635, which would bring the hemp industry under the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. This will help us better deal with unregulated THC edibles and stop the migration of suspended Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority licensees into the hemp market. We've made great strides in recent years of improving our licensing of marijuana grows and regulating the medical marijuana industry to clean up the black market. This legislation will further our efforts to keep the public safe from illegal operators.
I also am continuing to work within the Utilities Committee to ensure affordable, reliable electric power to my constituents and others statewide within the volatile energy market currently under attack by the Biden Administration. I am well aware of the continuing crisis at our nation's southern border, worsened by the continuing actions of the Biden Administration that is basically facilitating an invasion of our country. Polling information I received in January shows this is the No. 1 priority for Oklahomans.
While sending our military on strikes around the world, we must not ignore this crisis on our doorstep.
I'm appreciative of our governor sending our state National Guard to assist and that other states have joined this effort as well, and I will continue to pursue every action available to me to stop this illegal invasion of our nation.
Please remember, if I can help you with something, 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 or Mike.Dobrinski@okhous e.gov.