Energy (Renewable Energy)

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.

SB 1285 requires all new construction by Oklahoma state-funded entities (like agencies, universities, and career centers) to meet strict energy efficiency standards for heating, cooling, and building systems. It mandates minimum performance levels for heating systems (e.g., 90% efficiency for gas, banning electric resistance as primary heat), prioritizes geothermal systems, and requires life-cycle cost analysis over 25 years to select the most efficient options. The bill also requires integrated building control systems to monitor energy use and gives preference to licensed Oklahoma vendors and locally made HVAC equipment. These changes aim to reduce energy costs, promote renewable energy integration, and ensure state buildings meet verified efficiency benchmarks.

SB 460 establishes natural gas as the preferred fuel source for new fossil fuel electricity generation facilities in Oklahoma, requiring all new plants built after July 1, 2025, to use natural gas unless a generator can demonstrate to regulators that another fossil fuel better serves consumers. The bill amends Oklahoma law to create a "natural gas energy standard" that supplements renewable energy goals, specifically targeting new construction and added capacity at existing fossil fuel plants. This policy directly affects electricity generators planning new facilities or expansions, shifting the default fuel choice from other fossil fuels to natural gas. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and was enacted as an emergency measure.

HB 1451 establishes new distance requirements for utility-scale solar and wind energy facilities in Oklahoma. Solar farms must maintain at least 1.5 nautical miles from airports, public schools, and hospitals, and 3 nautical miles from property lines. Wind energy projects must follow these same distances but also require a Federal Aviation Administration "Determination of No Hazard" and resolution of military impact concerns before construction. Developers must submit compliance attestations to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, with disputes resolved in district courts. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.