OKLAHOMA CITY – This week, Oklahoma House Democrats voted on and debated against two bills that impact Oklahomans’ property rights and local control.

Both bills increase regulations, suppress local control, and foster a confusing business environment for the energy industry by creating new setback requirements and disempowering local elected officials to make the best decisions for their communities.

The first bill, HB 1989, was heard in Energy Committee on Feb. 19 where it failed.

The second bill, HB 2751, was heard in Utilities Committee on Feb. 20 where it passed.

Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, debated against HB 2751 in Utilities Committee, claiming both bills infringed on Oklahomans’ property rights and local control within counties.

“House Democrats stood up for Oklahomans’ private property rights and local control,” Leader Munson said. “By voting against both bills, we upheld these two values that are shared across our state, regardless of where we live. We want to remain a leader in the energy industry, and in order to do that, we can’t change the rules of engagement because of tired rhetoric. In order to keep costs low, we need to ensure competition and keep our word to the industries we are doing business with today. By prioritizing an all of the above energy approach, with our abundance of energy sources, we will lower costs, create jobs, and bring more resources to communities across our state.”

Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, debated against HB 1989 in Energy Committee.

“This bill distorts free markets, reduces local control, adds governmental burdens and restricts property rights–but only for one industry,” Waldron said. “It will raise rates in my district and reduce investment in rural districts. And they claim to be a party of free enterprise.”

Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, is a member of the Energy Committee and voted against HB 1989.

"This legislation severely limits landowners' ability to use their own property in ways that can support their families,” Hefner said. “Private property rights and the ability to manage their own land are important to all Oklahomans."

Democratic Caucus Secretary Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City also debated against HB 2751 in Utilities Committee.

“This bill weakens our state’s ability to use all our resources to maintain leadership in both energy and clean energy,” Alonso-Sandoval said. “It hurts Oklahoma families by preventing them from accessing wind energy benefits: new jobs for our communities, increased local tax revenue, and an important additional source of income that helps landowners support their families.”

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