Oklahomans have mixed view of President Barack Obama's energy plans

A spokesman for the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association was not as enthusiastic.

“I absolutely applaud the president's ‘all-of-the-above' energy strategy,” said Central Oklahoma Clean Cities Coordinator Yvonne Anderson.

“That strategy bolsters the Clean Cities program goal of reducing dependence on imported petroleum, and enhancing America's energy, economic, and environmental security.”

Anderson said she was excited about the prospect of further development of natural gas engines and vehicles, a process that will benefit vehicle fleets and the buying public.

“The development of natural gas highway corridors for long-distance trucking, already under way, may make the stereotypical image of big rigs and buses belching black smoke disappear from the American landscape before another generation of babies reaches adulthood,” she said.

OIPA spokesman Cody Bannister said he was pleased to hear the president commit to natural gas development.

“Any effort to increase the use of natural gas benefits Oklahoma,” Bannister said.

“Increased demand for natural gas creates jobs in Oklahoma, increases tax revenues and improves the state's economies.”

Bannister also criticized Obama's call for increased taxes on the oil and gas industry, as outlined in Tuesday's State of the Union address.

Companies cannot increase natural gas production if they are also burdened by higher taxes and additional regulations, he said.