Energy modernization is key to keeping Oklahoma at the forefront
- Ross Ford
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Rep. Ross Ford
Oklahoma doesn’t just produce energy, we are energy. From oil fields to wind farms, from natural gas pipelines to solar arrays, our state has become the model for how multiple sources of power can drive a modern economy. Leadership does not arrive by chance; it is built deliberately, step by step. To stay competitive on the world stage, Oklahoma must continue investing in its energy infrastructure to keep pace with both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s technologies.
Our nation is at an inflection point. After years of steady demand, U.S. electricity use is climbing at a pace we haven’t seen in decades. Families are already feeling the impact through higher bills, and businesses are managing greater operating costs that eat into their growth.
At the same time, demand is being pushed even higher by a new wave of technologies, advanced manufacturing facilities that run on high-powered equipment, aerospace and defense operations that require precision testing, healthcare systems that depend on energy-intensive technology, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing that rely on massive data centers. The scale of demand may appear daunting, but retreat is not an option. The solution is modernization, and Oklahoma should lead the way for the nation.
Investing in stronger infrastructure and building smarter, more resilient power systems can lower costs while giving families and businesses the stability they need. An efficient grid doesn’t just keep the lights on; it provides Oklahoma with the capacity to grow.
Modernization is not without challenges, but it is far more a story of opportunity. Oklahomans understand this well. Our history is defined by resilience, innovation, and the ability to adapt, and each time we have emerged stronger. Today is no different. We are already seeing the rewards of our commitments, proof that embracing change positions us not just to keep pace, but to lead. With more than $13.7 billion in new capital investment announced this year alone, projects like a new aluminum smelting facility, an advanced ammunition plant, expanded aerospace testing, and new data hubs are not only setting records but also powering the technologies that manufacturers, defense firms, and hospitals rely on. Together, these investments are creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and generating tax revenues that support schools, roads, and public safety.
I’m thankful that Oklahoma has had leaders in Congress and at the state level who have consistently answered the call when it comes to supporting innovation. Their efforts have laid the foundation for the growth we are experiencing today. But the work doesn’t stop here. To keep this momentum, policymakers must continue making choices that foster opportunity rather than limit it. That means ensuring Oklahoma has the energy capacity and infrastructure to support new industries while also being the state that shows America how modernization can solve the affordability crisis.
Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to be that model. With one of the most diverse energy portfolios in the country, we can show how traditional strengths and new technologies work together to build a more affordable and secure future. By investing in resilient grids, efficient energy systems, and modern infrastructure, Oklahoma can solidify its position at the heart of America’s energy story and ensure that our communities thrive for generations to come.
Ross Ford is the Representative of Oklahoma House District 76, in Broken Arrow.