Bill > SB1514

This bill modifies provisions of the Oklahoma Wind Energy Development Act by updating definitions, including new terms like "nonparticipating landowner" and "wind energy facility expansion," and clarifying existing ones. It lowers the threshold for declaring a wind energy facility abandoned from twenty-four months to 180 days of inactivity, unless for specific approved reasons, and requires that decommissioned facilities be removed to a depth of 48 inches below ground, with land restoration. The bill also mandates that owners of wind energy facilities must obtain a permit from the Corporation Commission before construction, operation, or redevelopment, and outlines detailed criteria for permit applications, including environmental and risk assessments, noise level limits, and specific setback requirements from property lines and residences. Furthermore, it requires notification to various state agencies, local governments, and potentially affected landowners and residents, and establishes a process for public hearings and comments from executive agencies before a permit can be approved. Financial security requirements for decommissioning are also modified, and certain proprietary information submitted with permit applications is protected from public disclosure. This act is set to become effective on November 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1514&Session=2600