Bill > HB2157

This bill establishes the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act, which aims to support the development of renewable energy projects while maintaining agricultural productivity. The legislation creates the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Advisory Committee, comprised of 17 members representing various stakeholders including government agencies, universities, tribal governments, renewable energy industry, agricultural producers, and scientific organizations. The committee's primary responsibilities include advising on renewable energy strategies, identifying tools to help landowners and developers site renewable energy projects, developing policy recommendations, creating educational materials, and recommending research areas related to agrivoltaics (the combined use of land for solar energy generation and agriculture). The bill requires the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) to prepare a comprehensive report by January 1, 2026, detailing existing initiatives, potential policy options, and research needs. Additionally, the legislation establishes an Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Cash Revolving Fund to support the committee's work, which can receive funding from gifts, grants, and other contributions. The bill recognizes the importance of expanding electrical generation capacity while minimizing negative impacts on farming and ranching, and it takes an emergency clause effect, meaning it will be implemented immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2157&Session=2600