The thought of sending southeastern Oklahoma water to housing and commercial developments in North Texas for free doesn't sit well for most state residents. Oklahoma lawmakers agreed and put a moratorium on the sale of state water to out of state interests until a long-range study is completed.
The general manager of the Tarrant Regional Water District in Fort Worth says the state is playing a game of high-stakes water poker. James M. Oliver says if the Texans win a lawsuit against the state, the water could flow for free.
The lawsuit is expected to be heard in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City in December. Before it goes to trial, the water district says it will pay between $15 million and $60 million per year to transport water in southern and southeastern Oklahoma to fast-growing North Texas communities.
If Tarrant County wins the lawsuit, it would have access to free water but would have to pay for pipelines and pumping stations, Mr. Oliver told the Associated Press.
Oklahoma House speaker Chris Benge says legislation passed this past session should strengthen the state's position. It attempts to eliminate the appearances of bias against out-of-state water applicants.
The state shouldn't be selling water until it knows what the long-term needs of Oklahomans will be.
Opinion
Water sale lawsuit gamble pits Oklahoma and Texas
- Opinion
-
-
More government intrusion
Editor, The Transcript: Kudos to Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Review Online for telling it like it is (Transcript Opinion, Feb. 12, 2012) regarding President Obama’s religious “overreach.” No, Mr. President, your latest knee-jerk ...
-
Say no to power expansion
A heated House committee meeting last week ended in a 6-5 vote to send a bill to the floor that gives the governor power to remove and replace appointees to state agencies, boards or commissions....
-
Focus should be on water policy legislation
Oklahoma legislative leaders are pushing ahead on water policy legislation, despite the water rights lawsuit filed by American Indian tribes. We applaud Speaker Kris Steele on pushing the water proposals filed by House members....
-
Trooper replacements needed for state’s OHP
Oklahoma’s Highway Patrol has 759 troopers, with 210 eligible to retire and another 26 becoming eligible this year. They certainly won’t all choose to retire at once, but the possibility worries patrol officials. Troop strength is the ...
-
It’s time for Valentine’s Day
If it’s full of hearts and flowers And a cupid with a dart, That’s a card that’s mighty pretty and aimed right for your heart....
-
Oklahoma going from good to great
As most other states struggle to maintain the status quo, Oklahoma is on the rise as a destination to do business and raise a family. Our state added more than 40,000 jobs in the past year, the economy is growing and unemployment remains ...
-
A reprieve for state bases
The Pentagon has released its plans to downsize its forces and eliminate some weapons systems funding, ships and airplanes. But a published report says the state’s five military bases will likely be spared major cuts....
-
Gov. Fallin’s tax plan is one big mistake
Editor, The Transcript: Well, it’s official now. In her State of the State message, Gov. Fallin confirmed that she hopes to reduce the state income tax now and totally eliminate it later. Big mistake, for two compelling reasons....
-
Another Library Vote? Good grief!
Editor, The Transcript A new library on the west side? With hardly any books? With a dumb name above the entry as shown in your rendering? Infoplace? The library bureaucracy must think Norman voters just fell off the turnip truck....
-
Show them some love
Oklahoma joins bus drivers and riders throughout the nation in the “Love the Bus” campaign to raise awareness and appreciation for the thousands of school bus drivers and aides who safely transport children to and from school each day....
- More Opinion Headlines
-
More government intrusion
