Two major energy companies with Oklahoma roots are moving executive leadership to Houston, raising questions about the long-term impact on the state’s oil and gas industry and broader economy.
During News 9’s “Your Vote Counts,” political analyst Scott Mitchell spoke with state Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, and former state Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City, about decisions by Devon Energy and Expand Energy, formerly Chesapeake Energy, to relocate their C-suite operations to Texas.
Why Houston?
Mitchell said Houston’s position as a global energy hub makes it attractive for executive leadership.
Dunnington said that while the announcements are high-profile, the companies’ operational footprint in Oklahoma remains limited. He said Oklahoma has about 46 active drilling rigs, and of the two companies relocating their executive offices, only one rig is operating in the state.
Rosino and Dunnington said Oklahoma’s oil and gas identity extends beyond corporate headquarters.
“We’re looking for the next Larry Nichols and the next Aubrey McClendon,” Dunnington said, referencing founders who built companies from startups into industry leaders.
How diversified is Oklahoma’s economy?
Both guests said Oklahoma’s economy is more diversified than in past decades.
Rosino said aerospace and aviation are the state’s second-largest industry, reflecting broader economic growth beyond energy.
“I don’t think this is like the 1980s where we saw a big crash and everything revolved around oil and gas,” Rosino said. “That’s not the case anymore.”
The discussion highlighted efforts to attract new industries and workers to Oklahoma, even as executive leadership in some energy companies shifts to Texas.
Energy policy and electricity demand
The panel also discussed national energy policy and long-term electricity needs.
Rosino said political swings between prioritizing fossil fuels and renewables can be counterproductive. He said states like Texas have embraced a broader approach that includes oil, natural gas and low-carbon energy development.
Dunnington said future economic competitiveness — including reshoring manufacturing and expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure — will depend on reliable electricity.
“To produce the amount of electricity that we’re going to need in order to reshore this manufacturing, in order to win the AI race. It is all about electricity, and our policy should reflect that,” Dunnington said.
He described Oklahoma as fundamentally a natural gas state, adding that natural gas and renewables could both play roles in meeting future power demand.
Legislative priorities
The second half of the program focused on the Oklahoma legislative session, now two weeks underway.
Rosino pointed to Senate Appropriations Chair Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and his work on the state budget following updated revenue projections from the Board of Equalization.
Dunnington said thousands of bills are filed each session, but only a fraction become law. He encouraged lawmakers to focus on policy that supports economic growth, improves education outcomes and strengthens the workforce.
Both guests acknowledged that it is an election year, which can amplify political rhetoric. They said priorities remain improving literacy and math performance, strengthening health care access and maintaining a competitive business environment.
As debate continues over the energy sector and state policy, the panel said Oklahoma’s long-term outlook will depend on balancing economic diversification with strategic investment in electricity and infrastructure.
