Bill > HB1451

This bill establishes new setback requirements for utility-scale solar farms and modifies existing setback provisions for wind energy facilities in Oklahoma. Starting November 1, 2025, solar farms must maintain specific minimum distances from various locations: 1.5 nautical miles from airport runways, public schools, and hospitals, and 3 nautical miles from non-participating property lines. Similarly, wind energy facilities will have identical setback requirements. The bill requires energy facility developers to include attestation of compliance with these setback requirements in reports submitted to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Any disputes regarding these setbacks will be exclusively handled by district courts, and the Corporation Commission can seek enforcement through its administrative court system. For wind energy facilities, the bill maintains existing provisions requiring developers to obtain a Determination of No Hazard from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and resolve any potential adverse impacts on military installations. Developers who fail to comply with these requirements may face administrative penalties up to $1,500 per day per violation. The bill aims to ensure green energy projects do not negatively impact nearby communities, airports, schools, hospitals, and military operations while providing a clear regulatory framework for renewable energy development.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1451&Session=2600