Bill > SB2123

This bill modifies the Oklahoma Wind Energy Development Act by updating definitions, including "abandonment" to mean failure to generate electricity for 180 consecutive days instead of 24 months, and clarifying what constitutes "commencement of construction" to include land clearing and utility relocation. It also introduces new terms like "nonparticipating landowner" and "operator," and redefines "wind energy facility" to include facilities with a rated capacity of five megawatts or more and a height over 200 feet. The bill mandates that wind turbines must be decommissioned or removed if they cease generating electricity for 180 days or violate noise restrictions, and requires property restoration within twelve months of decommissioning. Financial security requirements for decommissioning are now tied to permit applications, with updated submission timelines and review periods. Crucially, the bill establishes a new permitting process requiring applicants to obtain a permit from the Corporation Commission before construction, operation, or redevelopment, which includes detailed development and management plans, emergency procedures, and environmental and risk assessments. This process also mandates notification to various state agencies, local governments, and affected landowners, and requires public hearings. Finally, the bill clarifies that permit applications are generally public record, with an exception for proprietary information.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb2123&Session=2600