Energy

SB 1441 prohibits operating unmanned aircraft (drones) below 400 feet over critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants, water treatment plants, refineries, and telecommunications towers, without authorization. It bans drone contact with facilities, interference with operations, or proximity that disrupts functions. The law exempts government entities, law enforcement, facility owners/operators, and FAA-authorized commercial drone operators. Violators face civil liability for damages under existing Oklahoma law, with the bill effective November 1, 2026.

HB 3173, the Well Repurposing Act, allows Oklahoma's Corporation Commission to authorize converting existing oil and gas wells into facilities for energy storage or geothermal energy development. It defines key terms like "geothermal resources" (excluding oil/hydrocarbons) and requires the Commission to set fees and financial requirements for these repurposed wells. The bill states that wells actively used for energy storage are not considered abandoned, but must be sealed if operations stop for 12+ months. This directly affects oil/gas well operators seeking to repurpose infrastructure under Commission approval.

SB 1579 expands Oklahoma's income tax credit for investments in clean-burning motor vehicle fuel infrastructure. It directly affects businesses and individuals installing or purchasing equipment for compressed natural gas (CNG), hydrogen fuel cells, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or electric vehicle charging systems. The bill provides tiered credits based on vehicle weight (up to $100,000 for heavy trucks), 45% of infrastructure costs for fueling stations, and $2,500 for residential CNG systems. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to five years to offset future tax liability.

HB 4060, titled the Plug-In Solar Power Amendments Act, would establish a new program allowing residential and commercial solar power systems to connect to Oklahoma's electrical grid under specific rules. The Corporation Commission would create regulations for how solar energy producers (like homeowners and businesses) connect their systems and receive compensation for excess energy sent back to the grid. The bill also defines key terms to clarify the program and sets an effective date for implementation. This legislation directly affects solar system owners and utility companies regulated by the Corporation Commission.

HB 1427 creates tax credits for Oklahoma taxpayers who invest in qualifying clean-burning motor vehicle fuel equipment. It directly affects vehicle owners and businesses that install or purchase equipment allowing vehicles to run on compressed natural gas, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. The bill provides tiered credits: up to $5,500 for light vehicles (under 6,000 lbs), up to $100,000 for heavy trucks (over 26,500 lbs), and 45% of costs for commercial refueling stations. Credits are limited to new, certified equipment meeting safety standards and must be claimed against state income tax. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years.