Oklahoma has created the Coordinating Council on Seismic Activity to link researchers with policymakers and energy industry experts in an effort to understand seismic activity in the state that is thought to be linked to oil and gas drilling activities (see Shale Daily, July 7). The council will be headed by Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Michael Teague. The council will include input from public sector groups such as the Oklahoma Geologic Survey, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board; research institutions including the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University; industry groups such as the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association and the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association, and state legislators. “Oklahoma has always had seismic activity,” said Gov. Mary Fallin. “But the reality is we are seeing more earthquakes today than we did several decades ago. It’s important we study this issue and have sound science that can inform decisions made in both the public and private sector.”