SB 352 prohibits utility companies from using eminent domain to build wind turbines, solar facilities, battery storage, or hydrogen gas facilities on private property. It also requires electricity providers to obtain a Corporation Commission certificate before using eminent domain for high-voltage transmission lines (over 300 kV). The bill directly affects utility companies seeking to expand infrastructure and private property owners whose land might be targeted for such projects. These changes amend Oklahoma’s eminent domain law (27 O.S. §7) to restrict certain facility siting and add oversight for major transmission projects. The bill was introduced in the 2025 Oklahoma Legislature and referred to the Energy and Natural Resources Oversight committee.
SB 119 creates an investment rebate program for Oklahoma businesses making significant capital investments in specific energy sectors. It directly affects companies refining/manufacturing hydrogen (blue/green), generating emission-free power, or producing cleaner fuels, requiring them to commit to at least $750 million in qualified capital expenditures with $150 million already spent. Eligible businesses receive rebates equal to 6.67% of qualifying investments, paid from the newly created Commerce Energy Manufacturing Activity Development Fund, which is initially funded with $50 million. The program expires on July 1, 2031, with unspent funds transferring to the General Revenue Fund.
SB 1003 requires Oklahoma's Corporation Commission to create rules ensuring electricity grid affordability and reliability. It mandates that the grid maintain 115% guaranteed power capacity (sufficient backup power) to prevent outages, requires new wind/solar projects to include backup power costs in their total expense calculations, and directs the Commission to select new power sources based on the lowest total cost to ratepayers. These rules directly affect electric utilities and the Corporation Commission, with specific requirements including preventing premature retirement of existing power plants unless cost-effective and ensuring power sources meet continuous operating needs during extreme weather. The bill aims to prevent power shortages through measurable reliability standards, effective November 1, 2025.
SB 131 requires Oklahoma electric utilities planning to retire coal-fired power plants to prioritize replacing them with advanced nuclear reactors (including small modular reactors). Utilities must submit a cost study and written justification to the Corporation Commission if they choose alternatives to nuclear, and the Commission must approve or disapprove replacement plans. The bill also mandates that any entity building a nuclear plant must construct a secondary facility within the same zip code to store spent nuclear fuel and submit detailed applications to the Department of Environmental Quality. These provisions aim to guide the transition from coal to nuclear energy while establishing regulatory requirements for new nuclear construction. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025.
SB 714 prohibits Oklahoma state retirement systems from using public funds to boycott energy companies (defined as actions penalizing fossil fuel companies without a financial reason) or divesting based on environmental, social, or political concerns. It transfers enforcement authority from the State Treasurer to the Attorney General and requires retirement systems to report any exemptions from the law. The bill shields state officials, employees, and contractors from lawsuits or financial liability when complying with its provisions, including claims of fiduciary duty breaches. It directly affects all Oklahoma state retirement systems and their investment decisions regarding energy companies.
SB 294 amends Oklahoma's Oklahoma Quick Action Closing Fund to exclude electric vehicle manufacturing businesses (specifically those using NAICS code 336110) from eligibility for funding. This bill directly affects companies in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry, preventing them from receiving economic development funds intended for high-impact business projects. The change modifies existing eligibility rules under the fund's statutes without altering other provisions for qualifying industries or the fund's administration. The exclusion applies to all applications for the fund, including those seeking rebates under the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program. The bill does not change the fund's purpose, which remains supporting job creation, capital investment, and economic development through targeted business incentives.
