I’m thankful for state and federal delegates who worked together recently to end the proposed Delta- Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) in Oklahoma. The corridor could have resulted in the confiscation of private property through eminent domain to place high voltage electric transmission lines along an 18mile wide corridor stretching from the Oklahoma Panhandle to the Arkansas border.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) confi rmed the corridor will not proceed in its designation process. While Oklahoma has long been a leader in energy production, we won’t stand for a land grab of private property. I’ve been following Kingfisher and Garfield county court cases and am happy to work with the state’s attorney general along with energy and agricultural groups to protect landowner rights against eminent domain.

I’m also communicating with legislative leadership and the governor’s staff on setting up guidelines and establishing a possible siting authority to oversee new wind and solar generation facility projects at either the county level or with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

Cedar Project Continues Meanwhile, work continues on the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Act. The Conservation Commission is expanding its eradication of the Eastern Red Cedar to include the Cimarron and South Canadian watershed areas. This will help us conserve water and reduce the threat of damage from wildfires.

Election Brings Hope

On the national front, the decisive win of President Donald Trump should restore more conservative principles in Washington D.C. and restore energy independence once again. This will be beneficial to Oklahomans in terms of jobs and the overall economy.

Page Program Reminder I also want to make high school juniors and seniors aware of the House Page program. Each year, hundreds of youth come to the Capitol to participate in this program. During the week they serve, pages get to work with lawmakers and hold a mock legislative session with their peers to see how the government process works. It’s an excellent experience for all who participate. Applications are now open on our House website, visit https://former. okhouse.gov/Pages/, or you can call my office for more information.

Merry Christmas

Finally, as we celebrate the birth of Christ with our families, I hope everyone enjoys peace, health and happiness. It is my honor and privilege to serve the folks of Oklahoma and I wish everyone a prosperous new year.

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@okhouse.gov.