New senator wants energy independence

Steve Gust

The New Yorker operated an investment firm for decades. But it turned out to be a Ponzi Scheme, which defrauded thousands of people of life savings and billions of dollars.

Madoff’s scheme was finally exposed in 2008. He received a long prison term and he died in 2021.

I’ve read about the crime before. But it’s still heartbreaking to watch some of the witness accounts of people who got financially wiped out, like widows.

There was lots of finger pointing as well. Some blamed the government, especially the Securities Exchange Commission. Critics allege the SEC were tipped off about the crime but didn’t do anything. Others said a bank, which handled billions annually from Madoff’s company, should have

The whole Madoff incident was tragic. There were no checks and balances on the conman’s operation. It makes you wonder if there are other people out there, busy cheating people out of $65 billion. How do scammers live with their consciences after doing something like that?

Human behavior never ceases to amaze me.

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The Madoff deal, as well as almost everything that goes on in government, drives home a point.

Transparency is a good thing whether on the state, federal or local level.

And if someone is handling my money I’m going to make sure my questions are answered.

(Steve Gust may be reached at news@edmondpaper.com)

Last week, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) unveiled his first legislative package, introducing three bills to restore American energy independence. The Promoting CrossBorder Energy Infrastructure Act, Fracturing Regulations are Effective in States Hands (FRESH) Act, and the Federal Lands Freedom Act will roll back burdensome regulation for U.S. domestic producers and empower states to have more authority over their own energy resources.

“Energy is the backbone of our economy,” Mullin said. “It’s an obvious place to start. American energy independence brings global stabilization, and I am proud to come from a state leading our nation in an all-ofthe-above energy approach. Oklahoma is home to a robust oil and gas industry while still making room for new and innovative energy solutions. I am confident that we can serve as a model for the nation moving for- ward. Our country should follow Oklahoma’s lead and embrace policies that bring American innovation and ingenuity to the forefront. Restoring American energy security is critical to lower the cost of living for Americans and end our reliance on foreign adversaries who use energy access as a threat.”

“This legislation will ensure regulatory certainty for domestic producers and get the federal government out of the way,”Mullin continued. “These three bills cover exploration, sourcing, and transport of energy, and they are only the beginning. Americans deserve affordable and reliable energy, which we have right under our feet. It’s time to end the Left's attack on the industry and unleash American potential."

Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act

This bill will eliminate the Presidential Permit Requirement for cross-border energy infrastructure to provide regulatory certainty for energy producers

Fracturing Regulations are Effective in States Hands (FRESH) Act

This bill will allow states the opportunity to obtain unilateral authority to regulate fracking, including geothermal production, that occurs on federal lands within their borders

Federal Lands Freedom Act

This bill will allow states to submit a declaration requesting a transfer of responsibility for the leasing, permitting, and the development of oil, natural gas and other forms of energy on federal land located in the state in lieu of the federal government