Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after the state of Oklahoma finalized settlements totaling $25.5 million with Tyson Foods and Cargill in the long-running Illinois River Watershed litigation.  "For more than 20 years, this case has hung over the heads of poultry growers in eastern Oklahoma. I’ve heard from families who were unsure whether they would be able to continue operating from one year to the next. That kind of uncertainty takes a real toll on our rural communities.  These settlements bring long-needed clarity. They provide a framework to address water quality concerns in the Illinois River Watershed while also giving producers and integrators the stability they need to keep doing business in our state.  I appreciate the work that has gone into reaching this point, including the efforts of the Attorney General’s office, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and Sen. Tom Woods. There has been strong support from state leaders and Oklahoma’s agriculture community to find a resolution that protects family farmers while also addressing water quality concerns.  Our poultry farmers are good stewards of the land. They’ve invested time and resources into modern practices, and they deserve a path forward that recognizes both environmental responsibility and the economic reality of raising food for our country.  I am hopeful the court will approve these agreements so they can take effect and provide lasting certainty for our producers. I also encourage continued efforts to reach resolution with the remaining integrators. If that does not occur, I believe we should carefully consider alternative approaches that address water quality through a strong regulatory framework without jeopardizing the livelihoods of hundreds of family farmers in eastern Oklahoma.  The priority must remain clear. We can protect our natural resources and ensure eastern Oklahoma poultry producers are able to operate and expand with confidence, without the constant fear of losing contracts or facing financial ruin."  The settlements require payments for remediation and conservation efforts within the watershed and outline additional measures related to litter removal and monitoring. Other defendants remain involved in ongoing proceedings.  -END- Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, today commented on the recent announcements that Devon Energy and Expand Energy will both relocate their corporate headquarters to Texas.  Hill, who serves as chair of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee, emphasized the importance of continuing to diversify Oklahoma’s economy.  "The focus of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee is on ensuring Oklahoma is prepared for the future," Hill said. "That means continuing to pursue innovative growth in our energy industry while also investing in the infrastructure, education and workforce development that allow other industries to grow and thrive."  Hill noted that Oklahoma’s economic development strategy must include expanding opportunities in varied industries and other high-growth sectors that provide stability and opportunity for Oklahoma families, such as aerospace, biosciences, advanced manufacturing and others.  "Our state's long-term economic strategy cannot rely on any single company or industry," Hill said. "A diversified economy is how we attract investment, retain talent and ensure state policy keeps pace with opportunity." 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, unanimously passed  HB 3392  out of the House Utility Committee with a 9-0 vote. The measure directs the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) ?to examine how large, energy-intensive industrial projects like data centers impact our electric ?grid and ensure that everyday Oklahomans aren’t stuck paying for electricity they did not ask for ?and of which they are not the primary beneficiaries.? HB 3392 was included as one of the priority pieces of legislation for the Oklahoma House ?Democratic Caucus for the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature. As more high impact ?projects request hundreds or even more than 1,000 MW of power from companies like PSO and OG&E, HB 3392 asks the Corporation Commission to clearly define “large load electric customer," as a first step in protecting regular consumers from picking up the bill for this added ?capacity.? ?“Working Oklahoma families, low-income households and fixed income households already feel the burden of rising costs. As hyperscale data centers are built to meet the growing demand for ?generative AI and cloud storage, it is important we protect current customers from carrying the ?weight of those costs,” said Clinton. “I enjoy my devices and modern conveniences just as much ?as the next person, but the bottom line is this: if multi-billion-dollar tech companies need more ?electricity for their business model, they should have to pay for it. I am thankful to the committee ?for hearing this bill and sharing my commitment to protect the pockets of Oklahomans.”? HB 3392 is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and ratepayer protection for working ?Oklahomans. It is not meant to regulate or restrict large load customers. Rather, the goal is to ?provide data to lawmakers to make informed policy decisions that ensure existing customers are ?not overburdened with big tech’s energy needs. ? Under the measure, the Corporation Commission would report the impact of large load electric ?customers, such as data centers and energy intensive manufacturing on infrastructure, reliability, and ratepayers to legislative leaders by December 1, 2027. ? The bill now moves to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Oversight.? -END-