1. Secretary of Energy & Environment Office of the Oklahoma Tyler Powell
Deputy Secretary of Environment
State of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Municipal League Water/Environment Summit
Midwest City, Oklahoma
February 20, 2015

2. The Ongoing Drought
There is no “silver bullet” solution to fixing our current or future drought situations
Governor Fallin encouraging water conservation and cutting state government use of water and launched drought.ok.gov
Taking the lessons learned from the current and past droughts to lessen future hardships
Population Affected by Drought: 2,868,158
Image: U.S. Drought Monitor, Oklahoma,

4. Meeting Water Demand for Today and Tomorrow
Water availability is going to continue to be an issue for Oklahoma, we must take action to ensure long term availability of water for development.
Water reuse will be vital to meet future water needs.
Reminding Oklahoma citizens of the importance of water conservation and developing easy steps they can take.
Images: Oklahoma Water Resources Board

5. Waters of the United States
Last year, EPA and the Corps proposed to modify the definition of WOTUS to provide “clarity.”
Broadens the definition to potentially include any surface waters or “shallow sub-surface connection.” Which would require permitting by the Corps.
Groundwater is exempted in most cases, but definition could conflict with state law.
Image: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District

6. Opportunity for Assistance
The Tulsa District of the Corps of Engineers would like to provide assistance with water supply infrastructure to cities and towns.
COE has certain authorities that can be helpful for construction and funding for critical water infrastructure.
For more information contact Lori Hunninghake at
Image: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District

7. Secretary of Energy & Environment Tyler Powell tyler.powell@ee.ok.gov
Office of the Oklahoma
Secretary of Energy
& Environment
Tyler Powell