Agricultural News
Water Task Force Covened by Court to Address Tribal and State Rights- Jason Hitch is the Lone Voice for Agriculture
Tue, 08 May 2012 11:42:54 CDT
As part of an effort to resolve ongoing litigation over water rights among the State of Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Nation, and the Choctaw Nation, a new Task Force was assembled today in order to discuss and consider possible solutions. The Task Force was convened by Court appointed mediator, Francis E. McGovern, and includes 19 geographically, politically and demographically diverse Oklahomans.
In researching each of the 19 Task Force members, there are several Native American representatives; at least three oil and gas heavy hitters representing Chesapeake, Devon and Continental Resources; Municipal, Utility and Consumer advocates. It appears only two of the Task Force members have more than a passing understanding and appreciation for Agriculture, Jason Hitch of Hitch enterprises in Guymon and Mike Cawley, former President of the Noble Foundation. And only Hitch offers any real world understanding of how important water is to the production of food and fiber in the state. He has been nominated to serve on the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, pending confirmation by the State Senate.
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, and Choctaw Nation Chief Gregory Pyle issued the following joint statement:
"Water rights and water security are linked to both economic and quality of life issues. Our hope is that this new Task Force will help to pave the way toward an agreement that is fair and beneficial to all relevant parties."
The deliberations of the Task Force will be governed by the confidentiality provisions of the Court's Agreed Mediation Order: "-the Mediation will be conducted pursuant to Rule 408, F.R.E. Any and all communications, both written and oral, with the Mediator or between or among the parties that are made in the course of the Mediation shall be deemed confidential and inadmissible in any judicial or administrative proceeding for any purpose."
Professor McGovern will report periodically to the Court concerning the progress of the discussions of the Task Force.
Task Force Members:
Gov. Bill Anoatubby
Gov. Mary Fallin
Chief Greg Pyle
Gary Batton
Clay Bennett
Mike Cawley
Glenn Coffee
Jim Couch
Pete Delaney
Pennie Embry
Amy Ford
Harold Hamm
Robert Henry
Jason Hitch
Brian McClain
Aubrey McClendon
Larry Nichols
Mike Samis
David Thompson
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
