Environment

signed · Oklahoma · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 777: Wildlife; allowing certain harvesting of fish and aquatic species. Effective date.

SB 777 modifies Oklahoma's regulations for harvesting fish and aquatic species by giving the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) discretion to create rules governing these activities. It allows certain harvesting but requires it to follow Department-set restrictions, replacing mandatory language ("shall") with discretionary terms ("may"). The bill removes a prior requirement for the state to assess fees and transfers this authority to ODAFF. This change directly affects commercial and recreational fishers by shifting regulatory oversight to the Department, which will determine specific harvesting rules. The bill became law on May 12, 2025, without a gubernatorial signature.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill replaces mandatory harvesting rules with discretionary authority, removing fee assessment requirements, weakening environmental protections.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Oklahoma · House May 7, 2025

HB 1438: Waters and water rights; Rural Economic Action Plan grant program; monetary cap; effective date.

HB 1438 sets a monetary cap of $150,000 to $350,000 per entity per year for grants under Oklahoma's Rural Economic Action Plan program, which funds water quality projects like sewer line repairs, water treatment, and infrastructure improvements. The bill prioritizes small cities (under 1,750 population) and those with weaker fiscal capacity, while restricting eligibility to cities/towns under 7,000 population (based on census data) and unincorporated areas under 7,000. It requires the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to distribute all funds without administrative retention, establish separate accounts for specific economic development districts, and eliminate matching fund requirements for recipients.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates capped grants for water infrastructure projects, prioritizing small communities while controlling state spending within fiscal limits.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds water quality projects (sewer repairs, treatment) via grants, directly advancing environmental protection for water resources.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 28, 2025

HB 2043: State government; Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022; contracts; definitions.

HB 2043 requires Oklahoma state agencies to verify that companies receiving contracts worth $100,000+ (with 10+ full-time employees) do not boycott energy companies. It mandates written verification from contractors that they will not boycott energy providers during the contract term. The law excludes contracts related to debt management or if alternative services aren't available from non-boycotting companies. This policy directly affects state agencies and qualifying businesses entering major public contracts.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prevents boycotts of energy companies, potentially opposing environmental efforts to divest from fossil fuels by requiring contractors to engage with energy providers.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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signed · Oklahoma · Senate Apr 28, 2025

SB 469: Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program; modifying eligibility requirements. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 469 modifies eligibility requirements for Oklahoma's Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program, which provides up to 25% rebates for businesses implementing qualifying emission-reduction projects within the state. The bill clarifies submission deadlines (requiring documentation within six months after fiscal year-end completion) and adds a preliminary review process for applications before project funding is spent. It also specifies that applicants must have filed all required Oklahoma tax returns and maintain $1 million general liability insurance with workers' compensation coverage. The changes apply to businesses seeking rebates administered by the Department of Environmental Quality and Oklahoma Tax Commission, using funds from dedicated revolving funds. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes tax rebates (up to 25%) for businesses implementing emission projects, providing tax relief through state fiscal incentives.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyModifies rebate program to incentivize emission-reduction projects, directly advancing cleaner energy infrastructure through financial incentives for qualifying businesses.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill modifies rebate program to fund emission-reduction projects, directly supporting pollution control through business incentives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 8, 2025

HB 2402: Revenue and taxation; Oklahoma Advanced Manufacturing Incentive Act of 2025; time period; eligibility requirements; collaboration.

HB 2402 would create tax breaks and grants to attract manufacturers of low-temperature waste heat electrification technology (recovering heat below 200°C) to Oklahoma. Companies investing $10 million+ with 50+ new jobs would get up to 30% corporate tax breaks for five years (renewable), while larger investments ($20 million+ with 100+ jobs) qualify for 50% breaks. The state would cap annual spending at $8 million, with unused funds rolling over, and prioritize grants for facilities in economic development zones or energy-sector projects. Manufacturers must meet specific technology standards, submit job/investment plans, and report annually on progress to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides corporate tax breaks (up to 50%) for qualifying manufacturers, advancing tax incentive policy as a fiscal tool.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides tax incentives for waste heat recovery technology, directly promoting energy efficiency and clean energy infrastructure development.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incentivizes low-temperature waste heat electrification tech (energy efficiency), promoting cleaner manufacturing and reduced emissions through tax breaks for qualifying facilities.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill provides tax breaks/grants for manufacturers of low-temp waste heat electrification technology, directly funding and promoting this specific tech sector.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Oklahoma · Senate Apr 1, 2025

SB 352: Eminent domain; prohibiting use of eminent domain for certain facilities; requiring authorization by Corporation Commission for exercise of eminent domain by certain entities for specified purpose. Emergency.

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.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyProhibits eminent domain for wind/solar/battery/hydrogen facilities, directly blocking renewable energy infrastructure development.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits eminent domain for wind/solar/hydrogen facilities, directly restricting renewable energy infrastructure expansion and hindering environmental protection efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · Oklahoma · Senate Apr 1, 2025

SB 568: Investments; requiring all shareholder and ownership interest votes to be in the pecuniary interest of the beneficiary. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 568 requires Oklahoma state agencies and their investment managers to vote shares solely based on financial returns for pension beneficiaries, not social or environmental considerations. It prohibits following proxy adviser recommendations unless those advisers commit in writing to prioritize financial interests. Agencies must annually report all proxy votes - including management and adviser recommendations - to the State Treasurer via a public website. This applies to all state investments held for retirement plans, such as pension funds.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits state agencies from considering environmental factors in investment voting, mandating financial returns over environmental concerns per bill language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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in committee · Oklahoma · Senate Mar 3, 2025

SB 265: Water and water rights; creating the Oklahoma Water Infrastructure Loan Program and Revolving Fund; stating Program and Fund purposes. Emergency.

SB 265 creates the Oklahoma Water Infrastructure Loan Program and Revolving Fund to provide low-interest loans for water system improvements. It directly affects municipalities and water districts by enabling them to access funding for projects like upgrading pipes, treatment facilities, or water supply systems. The bill establishes a revolving fund that replenishes as loans are repaid, ensuring ongoing availability of capital. The "Emergency" designation indicates it aims for rapid implementation to address urgent water infrastructure needs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds water infrastructure upgrades for treatment facilities and pipes, directly reducing pollution and improving water quality per bill's purpose of system improvements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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