Senate Energy Committee advances four gubernatorial nominations to state boards

At a meeting of the Oklahoma Senate Committee on Energy, senators advanced four gubernatorial nominations to state boards and commissions, all by unanimous roll-call votes and without substantive debate.

The nominations approved were Mark Helm to the Oklahoma Mining Commission; Kim Peterson to the Environmental Quality Board; Michael Thayer to the Air Quality Advisory Council; and Colby Davis to the Arkansas‑Oklahoma Arkansas River Compact Commission. Each nominee spoke briefly to committee members and no committee member asked substantive questions before roll-call votes.

Mark Helm, nominated to a reappointment on the Oklahoma Mining Commission, told the committee he has served on the commission for seven years and asked for the committee’s support. Senator Pew presented Helm’s nomination and said Helm has more than 40 years of experience in the aggregate and ready‑mix concrete industry and currently serves as president, CEO and chairman of DeLisi Brothers. The committee recorded six ayes, 0 nays; the clerk read the roll call listing Senators Dossett, Kern, McIntosh, Murdoch, Thompson and Woods as voting aye.

Kim Peterson was presented by Senator Murdoch for appointment to the Environmental Quality Board. Murdoch described Peterson as a long‑time advocate for the Oklahoma Panhandle and noted Peterson’s service as mayor of Guymon since 2011. Peterson addressed the committee and spoke of his local public‑service perspective and his interest in leaving a better environment for future generations. The committee approved the nomination by a 6–0 roll‑call vote.

Michael Thayer, a nominee for reappointment to the Air Quality Advisory Council, was introduced by Senator Galahari. The senator noted Thayer holds a doctorate in environmental science from Oklahoma State University and directs graduate environmental programs at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa. Thayer said he spent nearly 30 years in industry in environmental health and safety and more recently has moved into academia to teach the next generation of environmental managers. The committee approved his reappointment by an 8–0 roll‑call vote.

Colby Davis was presented by Senator Fricks for appointment to the Arkansas‑Oklahoma Arkansas River Compact Commission. Fricks described Davis as the new product development manager at Greenleaf Nursery Company, a graduate of Oklahoma State University and a participant in industry and youth leadership organizations; Davis cited his work on water‑resource protection and stewardship at the nursery. The committee approved the nomination by an 8–0 roll‑call vote.

Votes at a glance

- Mark Helm — Oklahoma Mining Commission. Sponsor: Senator Pew. Motion: do pass (moved by Chairman Green; second by Senator Kern). Roll call: Senators Dossett, Kern, McIntosh, Murdoch, Thompson, Woods — 6 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Kim Peterson — Environmental Quality Board. Sponsor: Senator Murdoch. Motion: do pass (moved by Senator Murdoch; second by Senator Kern). Roll call: Senators Dossett, Kern, McIntosh, Murdoch, Thompson, Woods — 6 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Michael Thayer — Air Quality Advisory Council. Sponsor: Senator Galahari. Motion: do pass (moved by Chairman Green; second by Senator Fricks). Roll call: Senators Dossett, Frakes, Kern, McIntosh, Murdoch, Thompson, Woods, Green — 8 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Colby Davis — Arkansas‑Oklahoma Arkansas River Compact Commission. Sponsor: Senator Fricks. Motion: do pass (moved by Chairman Green; second by Senator Fricks). Roll call: Senators Dossett, Frakes, Kern, McIntosh, Murdoch, Thompson, Woods, Green — 8 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

The committee proceeded through the confirmations with little discussion; no formal questions or requests for follow‑up were recorded in the transcript. Several nominees used their brief remarks to summarize relevant experience and express willingness to serve. The committee adjourned after the approvals.