SB 99 reauthorizes an income tax credit for builders constructing energy-efficient residential properties under 2,000 square feet in Oklahoma. It provides a $4,000 credit for homes certified 40%+ above energy codes or $2,000 for those 20-39% above, requiring properties to be substantially complete in the same tax year the credit is claimed. The credit applies to new construction only (not retrofits) and requires certification by an accredited provider using the Home Energy Rating System. This bill directly affects Oklahoma builders who construct qualifying energy-efficient homes, offering tax relief tied to specific efficiency standards and completion timing.
HB 1220 prohibits Oklahoma cities and towns from imposing franchise fees or sales/use taxes on specific revenue streams used by utilities to repay private financing. It directly affects electric cooperatives and other utilities that used private financing under the February 2021 Utility Consumer Protection Acts to avoid immediate cost burdens on customers. The bill defines "securitization revenue streams" as rates and charges solely for repaying such private loans, and bans local taxes on these streams for bonds issued by the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority under those acts. This prevents municipalities from taxing revenue dedicated to repaying utility loans structured to protect consumers from upfront costs.
HB 1737, the "Natural Gas Utility Infrastructure Cost Recovery Act of 2025," allows natural gas utilities to seek pre-approval from Oklahoma's Corporation Commission for constructing or investing in energy infrastructure (like natural gas systems, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, or carbon capture facilities). If approved as serving the "public interest" (e.g., improving reliability, creating jobs, or environmental benefits), utilities can recover these costs through customer rates. The bill requires the Commission to approve or deny applications within 240 days and limits cost recovery to 10% above approved amounts, with excess costs reviewed later. It also mandates the Commission to create rules for cost assessments related to staff and legal reviews, effective November 1, 2025.
HB 1156 sets new distance requirements for wind energy facility construction in Oklahoma. It prohibits building wind towers within 1.5 nautical miles of airport runways (public or municipal), public schools, or hospitals, and within 0.5 miles of adjacent property lines. The bill also requires wind projects needing FAA Form 7460-1 to obtain a "Determination of No Hazard" from the FAA and resolve military impact concerns before construction, with penalties of up to $1,500 per day for non-compliance. The law takes effect November 1, 2025, directly affecting wind energy developers, landowners, and military installations near proposed sites.
SB 241 appropriates $20 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce for rebates on capital investments in hydrogen-related manufacturing. It directly affects companies building facilities that refine, manufacture, or process hydrogen-based products within chemical manufacturing industries (NAICS codes 324 or 325). The key provision offers rebates for qualifying capital expenses, funded by the state's general revenue. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025.
SB 480 modifies Oklahoma's definition of "public utility" to exclude certain green hydrogen electricity producers from regulatory oversight. It allows entities producing green hydrogen to receive electricity solely for on-site use (or through contracts with utilities for their own facilities), without being classified as public utilities. The bill requires any project under this provision to include a natural gas component in power generation. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not obligate public utilities to serve these entities.
HB 2747 allows Oklahoma electric utilities regulated by the Corporation Commission to recover specific costs through rate adjustments. It creates mechanisms for utilities to seek recovery of costs for: (1) transmission upgrades supporting wind generation (approved by Southwest Power Pool before 2013), (2) capital expenditures needed to comply with environmental laws (like Clean Air Act), and (3) new generation facilities or power contracts after considering reasonable alternatives through competitive bidding. The bill requires the Corporation Commission to review these cost recovery requests within set timelines (180-240 days) and mandates a rate review within 24 months of cost recovery initiation. This directly affects regulated utilities and impacts electricity rates for Oklahoma consumers.
HB 1331 increases penalties for trespassing on or damaging critical infrastructure facilities in Oklahoma. Simple trespass becomes a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail), while damaging facilities or intending to disrupt operations becomes a felony (up to $100,000 fine or 10 years imprisonment). The law broadly defines "critical infrastructure" to include power plants, water treatment centers, cell towers, pipelines, and other essential facilities requiring physical barriers or clear "no trespassing" signs. Organizations conspiring with offenders face fines ten times the standard penalty for the underlying violation.
HB 2115 transfers administration of Oklahoma's Energy Conservation Assistance Fund from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services. It provides grants of up to $3,000 for weatherization work (like insulation, storm windows, and structural repairs) to low-income elderly and handicapped homeowners who meet income guidelines (125% of federal poverty level). The bill requires an energy audit before grants are issued, prioritizes applicants with greatest need, and establishes a revolving fund for ongoing program funding. This directly affects qualifying homeowners seeking energy efficiency improvements to their primary residences.
HB 1450 places an indefinite moratorium on constructing or expanding new wind and utility-scale solar energy facilities in Oklahoma, affecting all new projects and expansions by state agencies and political subdivisions. The bill exempts facilities already permitted, approved by regional transmission organizations, and operational before the bill's passage, as well as existing operational facilities. It declares an emergency to take immediate effect upon passage, halting all new renewable energy infrastructure development while allowing current projects to continue. The measure directly impacts developers planning new wind or solar projects but does not alter existing operational facilities.
