Bill > SB460

This bill amends Oklahoma's existing natural gas energy standard by removing previous time-based restrictions and permanently establishing natural gas as the preferred fuel source for new electricity generating facilities in the state. The legislation declares it is in the public interest to promote natural gas energy development, taking advantage of Oklahoma's abundant natural gas resources and its compatibility with wind energy. Under the updated standard, new generating facilities and added capacity to existing facilities are intended to be powered by natural gas. However, electricity generating entities can still choose alternative fuel sources if they can provide evidence to the Corporation Commission or other regulatory body that their chosen fuel source is in the best interest of electric consumers. The bill eliminates previous language that limited the natural gas preference to a specific time frame (previously from 2011 through 2020) and removes references to "fossil fuel" in the original text. The legislation will become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause to ensure immediate implementation upon passage and approval.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb460&Session=2600