This page is an attempt to consolidate links to online information perinant to the Oklahoma National Weather Center (NWC) funding issue in an effort to facilitate the research efforts of concerned citizens. Much of the funding for the NWC is coming from money diverted from the Underground Storage Tank Indemnity Fund, a program vital for the physical and economic health of many Oklahomans.
For a good introduction to the problem, start with the text of:
"Opposition to funding mechanism for new Weather Center building explained", by Dr. Edwin Kessler
This wonderful document gives a thorough introduction to the current situation. Dr. Kessler is a well-known meteorologist and the former director of the National Severe Storms Laboratory.
The "fact sheet" about H.B. 2536 that was presented to legislators
A fiscal impact report about H.B. 2536
Oklahoma Corporation Commission's UST page:
http://www.occ.state.ok.us/TEXT_FILES/USTDEAD.HTM
They run the cleanup program in this state.
EPA Underground Storage Tank main page:
http://www.epa.gov/swerust1/index.htm
Find out all about the federal program and guidelines here.
EPA page about Oklahoma's UST program:
http://www.epa.gov/swerust1/states/ok.htm
Specifics on Oklahoma's UST program.
EPA Document explaining UST financial responsibility:
http://www.epa.gov/swerust1/ustsystm/finresp.htm
This demonstrates why the reduction in the UST Fund will damage OK business owners.
Oklahoma Weather Center home page:
http://owc.ou.edu/
Has links to all the organizations who'll be sharing the new NWC building.
Find out who your legislators are and how to contact them at Project Vote Smart:
http://www.vote-smart.org/index.phtml
This site is also an excellent place to learn about a candidate's voting record.
NSSL reproduction of an article from the 9 June 2002 Norman Transcript:
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/headlines/tradeoff.html
For corrections, comments, or to suggest additional links, please email ustfund@amalthys.com
