Oklahoma named one of finalist states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Oklahoma and 4 other states as potential host locations for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses - "a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle" - narrowing the field from 26 states that applied for the project. The Department will ultimately select up to three states for the Innovation Campuses.

Joining Oklahoma are Idaho, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Utah. According to the DOE, each of the proposed campuses could bring an estimated $50B in capital investment and 25,000 jobs. Here's more on what these campuses are all about: 

The proposed campuses are designed to support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and final disposition of used nuclear fuel. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the campuses may also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co located data centers.

Below are reactions from a number of elected officials:

Sen. Burns applauds cancelation of planned hydroelectric plant on Kiamichi River

Senator George Burns Applauds Cancelation of Planned Hydroelectric Plant on Kiamichi River

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 16th) - Senator George Burns, R-Pollard, today applauded the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) decision to halt progress on a controversial pumped storage hydroelectric project proposed on the Kiamichi River in Pushmataha County.

The proposed project by the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC), was officially halted after FERC determined that the company’s updated Proposed Study Plan (PSP), submitted on March 17, was still insufficient to proceed with planning. The Commission’s ruling follows widespread public opposition and a formal letter of protest from Sen. Burns in October.

Sen. Burns files bill to designate Hugo Lake Park as State Park

Burns Files Bill to Transfer Hugo Lake Park Properties

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 7th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced legislation to transfer the management and operation of Hugo Lake Park to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Senate Bill 121 proposes transferring all properties currently held for Hugo Lake Park to the department by January 1, 2026.

The bill aims to designate Hugo Lake as an official state park, improving oversight, enhancing amenities, and streamlining management responsibilities to provide a better visitor experience.

Senate GOP elects Paxton as Pro Tem designee - at least for now

The Republican majority caucus of the Oklahoma Senate met today to elect the President Pro Tempore-designee who will ostensibly lead the chamber for the next legislative term. Again. Remember, the last guy (Majority Floor Leader Greg McCortney) was shockingly defeated by a conservative challenger in the June primary. Today's designee, State Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle), may not end up as the Pro Tem, either, as some controversy and complications swirled around today's vote.

For example, of the 40 Republicans, at least 11 are not returning to the body after November, due to term limits, not seeking reelection, or (as in McCortney's case) election defeat. These members still got to vote in-caucus on the leader for 2025-2026. Additionally, it seems that several conservative senators are in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, and were not present for the meeting. Perhaps this was by design.

State Sen. Burns files bills to increase state park oversight, remove fees for Oklahoma residents

Burns Introduces Legislation to make State Parks more accessible to Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 14th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced Senate Bill 1253 to make State Parks in Oklahoma more accessible and affordable for state residents. This legislation, if passed, would allow the Commission to establish an annual pass or other varied passes as appropriate to the park for visitors, while also removing fees for Oklahomans.

Burns files two voter registration bills to enhance election integrity

Burns Introduces Voter Registration Bills to Enhance Election Integrity

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 8th) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has introduced two voter registration bills, Senate Bill 1414 and Senate Bill 1515, aimed at enhancing election integrity and streamlining the voter registration process in the state.

Hugo Lake Park would become state park again under bill passed by State Senate

Senate approves measure to restore state park status of Hugo Lake Park

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 23rd) – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, is the author of Senate Bill 675, which was approved Wednesday and would transfer Hugo Lake Park back to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

State Senate approves bill to remove state park entry fees

Bill to remove state park entry fees approved by full Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 10th) – Senate Bill 637 was approved by the Senate on Wednesday. Burns’ bill eliminates state park entry fees with the exception of motor homes and travel trailers. The fees are not to exceed $8.

Oklahoma Legislature passes two election reform bills

Both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature passed election reform measures this week. The State House passed HB 1415 (a trigger bill in case federal election laws conflict with state laws), while the Senate passed SB 426 (dealing with voter registration address accuracy). Read about both measures below:

Sen. Burns files bill to stop federal regulations on firearm suppressors made in Oklahoma

Burns files legislation to stop federal regulations on firearm suppressors made in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed Senate Bill 720, to ensure firearm suppressors and the basic materials used to manufacture them in Oklahoma are not subject to federal laws or regulations.

State Sen. Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

Burns files trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed three pieces of legislation related to state parks and their operations.

Hamilton, legislators question legality of self-induced abortions in Oklahoma

These are legislators with depth of conviction and principle when it comes to protecting the preborn.

Hamilton questions legality of self-induced abortions in Oklahoma 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has requested that Attorney General John O’Connor provide an official legal opinion related to self-induced abortions. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade earlier this year, a letter sent in October urged the state’s chief legal and law enforcement official to answer whether or not at-home abortions are a crime in Oklahoma.

Burns files 'Every Mother Matters Act' aimed at promoting alternatives to abortion

Sen. Burns files Every Mother Matters Act; measure aimed at giving moms alternatives to abortion

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns has filed Senate Bill 1167, the “Every Mother Matters Act,” also known as EMMA. The legislation is aimed at ensuring that any woman seeking an abortion is given access to resources and programs she may not realize are available.  Burns, R-Pollard, said the goal is to give women the support they need to choose life, instead of abortion.

According to the Abortion Surveillance in Oklahoma Report published by the Oklahoma State Department of Health in August 2020, between 2002 and 2020, there were 99,543 abortions performed in Oklahoma, an average of 5,239 a year. During that period, the abortion rate was higher among women between the ages of 20 and 29.  Black women, women with less education, and those who were unmarried had higher rates of abortions compared to other women of child-bearing age.

“Many women facing unexpected pregnancies turn to abortion because they feel like they have no choice.  We want to make sure they have an opportunity to connect with medical, financial and other resources that they may not know about,” Burns said.  “This legislation will do that as well as provide screening to identify those who’ve been victims of crime so that, with the woman’s consent, a report can be made to the appropriate law enforcement agency.”

Sen. Burns files bill designating use of King James Bible for elective courses, school libraries

This should have been Senate Bill 1611, by the way, instead of 1161.

I'll be honest. While I appreciate the sentiment, and absolutely agree that our founding fathers were tremendously influenced (dare I say, inspsired) by the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, I'm not confident that they would be properly exposited and taught in the same public school system that is advancing critical race theory, molecules-to-man evolution, sexual perversion, and a host of other ungodly teachings.

Sen. Burns files bill designating use of King James Bible for elective courses, school libraries

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns has introduced legislation for schools offering elective courses on Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament to utilize the source that influenced the work of America’s Founding Fathers—the King James Bible.  He’s filed Senate Bill 1161 to ensure that version is used for the courses and is available in school libraries. 

“Our Founding Fathers relied heavily upon the scriptures in the formation of our country, and the Bible they used was the King James Bible, which makes it an important historical document,” said Burns, R-Pollard.  “It influenced the writing of the major documents that created this country, including the Constitution.  It’s historically accurate to use that version, and it is in the public domain, which is also important.”

Sen. Burns files bill to protect religious freedom and prohibit gov't closure of churches

Sen. George Burns introduces legislation modifying the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act

State Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed a measure that would modify the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act to ensure government entities cannot close churches, religious institutions or houses of worship.

The measure is a response to the closure of churches and houses of worship across the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Bill 216 would add that the closure of a religious institution, or the declaration of a religious institution as “non-essential,” would be deemed a substantial burden on the free exercise of religion. The measure also states that a government entity cannot restrict access to religious facilities or gatherings as long as the institution is not engaged in illegal activities.

“Many churches across the nation were forced to close their doors due to government overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Burns said. “Fortunately, my church carried on in a safe manner.

“During a health emergency, it’s absolutely important to take precautions and do all we can to ensure we keep ourselves and others safe, but it’s ridiculous to think that the government could close churches by labeling them as ‘non-essential,’ while other businesses, such as casinos, may remain open. This is a direct attack on our freedom of religion.”

While churches in Oklahoma were not forced to completely close last spring, many shut their doors after social gatherings of 10 or more people were prohibited, making it nearly impossible to hold in-person worship. Fifteen states across the nation have exempted religious gatherings from their COVID-19 restrictions.

If signed into law, the measure would become effective on Nov. 1.