Energy

SB 2 establishes new setback requirements for wind energy facilities in Oklahoma, effective November 1, 2025. It requires wind turbines to be at least one-quarter nautical mile from homes and neighboring property (previously 1.5 miles from schools/hospitals), and mandates that projects near military installations must obtain a Federal Aviation Administration "Determination of No Hazard" and resolve Department of Defense impacts before construction. Developers who fail to comply face daily penalties of up to $1,500 per violation. The bill directly affects wind energy developers, landowners, and communities near proposed sites, with specific rules for military compatibility and dispute resolution.

SB 1439 blocks lawsuits against fossil fuel companies (including producers, sellers, and trade associations) that claim climate change or greenhouse gas emissions caused harm when their products functioned as designed. The bill prohibits any civil action seeking relief related to climate change, alleged climate effects, or emissions - covering common claims like fraud or failure to warn - but excludes cases involving violations of environmental or worker protection laws. It applies to all fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, etc.) and requires courts to dismiss ongoing climate-related lawsuits immediately upon the bill's effective date. This law creates a new legal barrier for climate change litigation while preserving access to courts for environmental law enforcement.

HB 2752 modifies Oklahoma's eminent domain rules for electricity providers, prohibiting the use of eminent domain for renewable energy facilities (like wind, solar, battery storage, or hydrogen projects) on private property. It requires electricity companies seeking eminent domain for high-voltage transmission lines (>300 kV) to first obtain a Certificate of Authority from the Corporation Commission. The bill directly affects electricity providers, private landowners, and renewable energy developers by restricting eminent domain access for renewables and adding a regulatory step for major infrastructure. It takes effect November 1, 2025.

This bill requires owners of commercial solar energy facilities in Oklahoma to pay annual property taxes on their solar installations by December 31 each year. It directly affects commercial solar facility owners, who previously may have been exempt from such taxes. The key provision mandates that taxes and other assessments be paid to the county treasurer annually, aligning commercial solar facilities with standard property tax rules. This changes the tax treatment for commercial solar projects, making them subject to local property tax requirements effective immediately.