Oklahoma earthquake mitigation
The number of earthquakes in Oklahoma fell after 2015 when there were more than 800 across the state. New research shows how regulations on wastewater injections from oil and gas production contributed to that decline.
The U.S. Geological Survey study is the first of its kind showing how reducing the depth of wastewater injection can lead to fewer earthquakes on a regional scale.
Physics-based models show the rate of earthquakes could have been four times larger this year without rules from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission mandating more shallow injection depths in 2015.
Oklahoma’s rate of earthquakes is still higher than its historical baseline. But the state’s success mitigating them could be a model for places where earthquakes are on the rise.
Tulsa prayer controversy
A prayer before a Tulsa City Council meeting has drawn accusations and political posturing from state officials. At a meeting last week, outgoing councilor Crista Patrick’s pagan priestess Amy McAdams gave the opening invocation.
"As a priestess of the goddess, I invoke the gorgonea, champions of equality and sacred rage," she prayed. "I call to Medusa, monstrous hero of the oppressed and abused…"
Tulsa City Council rules don’t specify a particular kind of faith to be given in invocations, but invocations given are often Christian.
Both Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters accused McAdams of satanism in posts on X. Stitt also invoked Christian language and said “Tulsans need to remember who allowed this at the ballot box.”
Patrick said paganism does not include a belief in Satan. When asked about Stitt’s remarks, Patrick said she wishes him love and tolerance.
"I hope that he can find a place in his heart to focus on his own spirituality and not focus on those that he is not informed about," she said.
Councilor Laura Bellis said she wants to change council rules to only have a moment of silence without an invocation. Bellis said she doesn’t want anyone to feel as if the city government does not represent them.
Thanksgiving travel increase
AAA is estimating an increase in travel this Thanksgiving.
If you’re planning to travel for your turkey dinner, you might be hitting some red lights. AAA estimates more than 697,000 Oklahomans will be traveling. 91% of Oklahoma travelers will be driving to their destinations. Shawn Steward with Triple A said the roads will be extra busy this holiday.
“Tuesday and Wednesday will be the busiest days on the roads for people leaving and then certainly coming back on Sunday and even Monday," he said. "We expect the highways to be fairly busy.”
AAA is sharing tips for those traveling, like avoiding rush hour in larger cities, servicing and inspecting your car. And if you’re flying, be sure to arrive early to the airport and download your airline’s app.
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