Gains in exploration and production activity in shale-rich Oklahoma are pulling the economy out of a slump, though recovery is slow, the state treasury said. Oklahoma is one of the top contributors to total U.S. oil production, accounting for about 5 percent of the nation’s total output. Lower crude oil prices curbed exploration and production activity last year and the state’s economy faltered as a result. State Treasurer Ken Miller said that, as exploration and production activity gains traction, the economy as a whole is showing signs of life. Data for March show tax collections from oil and natural gas production more than doubled year-on-year to $47.9 million. For the economy as a whole, however, total collections of $915 million […]