Hot Seat Extra: Energy policy and Oklahoma's path forward

Secretary Jeff Starling shares his journey from rural Virginia to leading Oklahoma's energy policy. In his conversation with Scott Mitchell, Starling discusses his career, the state’s energy challenges, and his vision for a balanced and sustainable future.

Secretary’s Background and Career Path

“I was born and raised in a small rural area in Virginia, right on the North Carolina border, in Pittsylvania County and Franklin County,” said Secretary Jeff Starling. "There were the mega industries of furniture, tobacco, and textiles... it was an area of the country that was really hard hit when those types of industries just up and vanished in the 90s and really starting in the 80s."

Starling reflected on his upbringing in rural Virginia, recalling days spent exploring the outdoors with friends. He later attended Wake Forest University for both undergraduate studies and law school, with an interlude working for a Virginia senator who chaired the Armed Services Committee.

“After law school, I clerked for a federal judge," said Starling. " Learned just a ton from everything from criminal type lawsuits and capital punishment type cases that we were dealing with."

He later transitioned to a private equity-backed company focused on oil and gas water management, overseeing various operational and legal aspects before joining Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration.

On Settling the Poultry Lawsuit

Addressing the 20-year-old poultry lawsuit in eastern Oklahoma, Starling emphasized the need for resolution.

"There's been a significant improvement. That is that is clear," he said "I wasn't here 20 years ago, so I don't know exactly what the conditions were then, but I do know we've had monitoring throughout that river basin that goes back well before the lawsuit."

"Are we exactly where we need to be? Probably not. Is there still room for improvement? Very well, maybe," said Starling.

Starling criticized the involvement of out-of-state attorneys in the case.

"You have the out-of-state plaintiff lawyers who are set to make 10s of millions of dollars on this lawsuit, and I don't think that's in the best interest of Oklahoma," he said.

EPA Overreach and State Sovereignty

Starling addressed a recent letter from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sent during the Biden administration’s final days, which he described as overreach.

"It wasn't just at the 11th hour, at the 11th hour and 59-minute mark," he said. "We are working with the incoming Trump administration, to address that fairly quickly, and I'm optimistic we will."

The controversy stems from the McGirt decision, which recognized much of eastern Oklahoma as tribal land.

Energy Policy and Economic Growth

Discussing the incoming Trump administration’s energy policies, Starling expressed optimism about increased support for oil and gas production and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

"I went to Asia with the governor, and we toured and met with businesses in Taipei, Taiwan, in Seoul, Korea, and in Tokyo, Japan. We spent a couple of days in each of those locations. And all of those countries and all those locations are very, very interested in American LNG," he said. "If we can strengthen our relationship with those countries and they need power, just like we do, we have the LNG exports we can provide them, it strengthens that relationship. It weakens China's influence in that area of the world."

Starling also highlighted the growing demand for energy.

"Over the next couple of decades, you're looking at an increase of somewhere between 50% and 100% of the electricity we currently have," said Starling.

Oil and Gas: Balancing Market Dynamics

Starling emphasized the independence of private operators in deciding when to invest. “DC doesn’t dictate the business decisions of private companies,” he said. "Those oil and gas operators across this country are going to make their own independent business decisions on what price of oil is needed to justify the additional capital to drill more."

Starling suggested that easing regulatory burdens and creating a favorable environment could help boost the industry without destabilizing global markets.

Regulatory Challenges

Federal regulations have placed significant strain on Oklahoma’s energy sector, according to Starling. “The Biden administration’s regulatory excesses are clear hurdles,” he said, pointing to methane rule requirements and constraints on LNG exports as examples.

The incoming administration has already reached out to Oklahoma’s energy officials to identify regulations that can be scaled back. Starling noted that President Trump’s team reportedly has 100 executive orders prepared, many targeting energy policy changes.

Renewable Energy in Oklahoma

While oil and gas remain central to Oklahoma’s energy landscape, the potential for renewables is growing. Starling highlighted the state’s abundant sunshine and open land as advantages for solar energy development.

"The solar companies, if they come to Oklahoma, will have to lease or buy land, and those will be private contractual rights that the government shouldn't get involved with." he said.

The Vision Ahead

As Oklahoma prepares for a new federal administration, Starling sees opportunities to shape energy policy for the future.

"I've come into this position with really one goal in mind, is that is, and that is to ensure affordable and reliable generate electricity, affordable and reliable electricity for Oklahomans for today and tomorrow."