From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – With more than 100 interim studies being conducted by state legislators, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey outlined ones that may impact cattle producers.
OCA is watching several studies, including some concerning water, taxes – namely one related to the ad valorem tax, cattle theft, and how beef can be beneficial to those who suffer from type 2 diabetes.
“Rep. [Clay] Staires, of Skiatook, wanted to look at how much type 2 diabetes is costing the State of Oklahoma, and potential solutions that we are already good at,” Kelsey explained. “We are good at the beef industry here in Oklahoma, so if people could incorporate beef into their diets appropriately, could that be positive towards type 2 diabetes?”
Water will be a big issue in the upcoming Winter Policy Meeting in January, he said, with plans to adjust current policy to reflect the perspective of landowners better. Alternative energy, like wind and solar, that is specific to tax policy, will also be a topic of discussion.
“As landowners, we have roles in those types of alternative energy,” Kelsey said. “Discussions can be quite emotional for both of those as far as for and against. I’m not talking about the property rights piece of it, although that is a very important piece of both solar and wind, but tax policy will be in the discussion.”
OCA is also keeping tabs on the electricity transmission line proposed to cross northern Oklahoma and move eastward.
“Our interest is eminent domain, and how it impacts landowners in that structure, he said. “We are very involved in that one and watching it closely. I know there has been a bill on the federal level that has been filed, but hasn’t been passed, that would not allow the federal government to use eminent domain for transmission lines and some of those types of things.
He concluded by saying that the decision will likely be put off by Washington until January.
For more details on the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, visit okcattlemen. org.