Utilities

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma took a significant step towards securing its affordable energy future today with the passage of House Bill 2747 out of the House Utilities Committee. The legislation promotes affordable and reliable energy generation by championing Oklahoma’s abundant natural gas resources while also restoring state control over high-voltage transmission infrastructure to ensure ratepayer and landowner protections. "HB 2747 is a crucial step towards ensuring that Oklahoma's energy future is secure, reliable, and affordable for all Oklahomans," said House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon. "Oklahoma ratepayers and landowners have been disadvantaged by policies of previous federal administrations for way too long. HB 2747 creates a level playing field for reliable natural gas generation to outshine federally subsidized renewable resources and support economic growth. This will help us protect ratepayers and landowners from unregulated transmission developers who have no accountability to Oklahomans while ensuring free market competition on the construction of these projects.” HB 2747 protects Oklahomans and encourages economic growth by: Modernizing state regulations to increase new natural gas generation. HB2747 gives natural gas a fair chance to compete against federally-subsidized renewables by reducing the cost of building natural gas plants and enabling them to be built faster. Enhancing existing natural gas power plants  and other key critical infrastructure, such as distribution lines and equipment, to boost efficiency and provide more reliable power now and in the future. Keeping rates affordable  by requiring any changes to critical infrastructure to be reviewed through the traditional rate review process at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Preventing ratepayers from funding subsidies  used to switch from one fuel source appliance to another in furtherance of liberal energy policies. Requiring a state-administered competitive bidding process  for high-voltage transmission lines constructed in Oklahoma and reinstating the OCC’s right to oversee the costs before a single cent can be passed on to Oklahoma ratepayers. Ensuring landowners are protected  from out-of-state developers placing high-voltage transmission on their property for 50 years or more with no oversight by or accountability to the State. “At the end of the day, this bill will increase fair competition in the generation and transmission sector, while promoting economic development and faster market entry for much-needed critical infrastructure. As leaders, we have a duty to protect Oklahomans and establish policies that ensure safe, reliable, and affordable energy," said Caldwell. The bill passed out of the House Utilities Committee with a vote of 8-2 and will next be considered by the full House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Utilities Committee today passed legislation that will put in place a setback from wind turbines in counties that meet certain wind speed and population density requirements. House Bill 2751, by Rep. Trey Caldwell, is the culmination of work being done by multiple House members who filed wind setback bills this session. "I appreciate the work of our Republican House members who came together to find a compromise that, while it doesn't make everyone happy, addresses this issue in a way that works for all of Oklahoma," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Our two-tiered committee process is intended to ensure work like this is done at the committee level, and this is a great example of the process working." A setback of 2.5x the fall down height of a wind turbine from the property line or a quarter mile from an occupied dwelling, whichever is greater, in the counties that meet the criteria  average wind speed below 9.5 mph according to Oklahoma Climatological Survey and; population density greater than 8.5 per square mile according to the 2020 US Census "This bill is about property rights at its core. We are trying to use common sense to mitigate disputes between property owners, some of which may want wind and some who don't," said Caldwell, R-Faxon. "This balances private property rights with the desire to encourage economic development in Oklahoma." The bill includes a local opt-in/opt-out option, allowing counties to, by popular vote, change their status of being subject to this wind setback. The bill also requires the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to maintain a list of counties and their wind setback status. "This legislation ensures that wind turbines can be where the wind blows consistently and at certain speeds in our state so they can generate efficient energy," said Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta. "This does not restrict wind projects but makes sure the projects are placed in areas where if subsidies were taken – per President Trump's America First agenda – they are financially viable on their own." "This well thought piece of legislation allows the state to set uniform policy while giving counties local control," said Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow. "This solution to the setback issue provides some clarity and a framework that all affected parties can work within." ?The bill applies to future projects and those that are not currently under construction. How "under construction" is defined will continue to be worked on prior to the bill being heard in oversight committee. "This legislation ensures projects will not happen in eastern Oklahoma where the population density and wind speeds do not make these wind projects viable or make any sense," said Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah. "This legislation is a win for eastern Oklahoma." The House Utilities Committee passed the bill 8-3 and it will now move to the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee for further consideration.

House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert today applauds the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) confirmation that the proposed Delta-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) will not proceed in its designation process. This decision marks a significant victory for Oklahoma communities and reinforces the power of grassroots advocacy and local input. “This announcement is a testament to the voices of Oklahomans who stood together to defend their land, livelihoods and local autonomy,” said Speaker-Elect Hilbert, R-Bristow. “The proposed transmission line would have imposed an unnecessary burden on our communities without clear local benefits, and we are pleased that the Department of Energy has recognized the concerns raised by our citizens.” The DOE confirmed the decision in a statement from Kristen Nawoj, spokesperson for the Grid Deployment Office, noting that the Delta-Plains NIETC would not advance into the next phase of the designation process. The DOE also announced plans to release updated maps and details for other proposed NIETCs the week of December 16, as well as to invite further public input. “Oklahoma has always been a leader in energy production and innovation, but we firmly believe that development must respect our communities and their voices,” said Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa. “While we are encouraged by this outcome, we remain committed to working with our federal partners to ensure that Oklahoma’s interests are respected in any future energy infrastructure decisions.” The proposed Delta-Plains NIETC had drawn widespread controversy from landowners, who raised concerns about its potential impact on property rights. "We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for policies that align with our state’s values and priorities," said Hilbert.