- Social:
University of Tulsa
Tom Seng is a professor of energy business at the University of Tulsa.
PROFILE
Tom Seng
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FROM Tom Seng
To the Point
Big money, small elections Tesoro Refinery in Anacortes, Washington Photo by Walter Siegmund Off-year local elections in the Pacific Northwest are normally quiet affairs, but today's big issues put small campaigns on the political map. The governor of Washington State wants to lead the fight against climate change, and that's focused attention on three local elections. The results could impact "fracked" oil from North Dakota, long-distance oil shipments by railroad and state policy on climate change. Billionaire activists are spending big money on one side — with major oil companies on the other. We find out why these political races are so important in the fight over climate change.
To the Point
American-Indian wars, 21st century style The Thanksgiving holiday celebrates the supposedly peaceful partnership between early European settlers and the natives who lived in America first. But while much of the country sits down to dinner, a very different historical pattern is playing out again near Cannon Ball, North Dakota. A Native American protest against an oil pipeline has been met with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets. It's aroused attention all over the world. As Jane Fonda plans to serve the protesters thanksgiving dinner, can President Obama make a lasting difference? We get an update.
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As sidewalk gardens grow on Skid Row, homeless residents lose a sidewalk In a city with tens of thousands of people living on its streets, sidewalk space can be a hot commodity. Businesses want to keep the sidewalk clear for customers, but the city’s housing crisis means that for some people, the sidewalk is home. Some property owners have reportedly used sprinklers or private security guards to make sure no one sets up camp outside their doors. And in recent months, people living on the streets have noticed a new tactic – business owners effectively occupying a portion of the sidewalk themselves.