January 2025 Policy Brief
Today marks the opening of Oklahoma’s 1st Session of the 60th Legislature in Oklahoma City. As an energy state – there is no lack of bills filed looking to make changes to various areas of the energy industry. Oklahoma’s legislators once again feel the need to weigh the merits of renewable energy in the wake of rising local opposition from constituents and changing national energy policy. Despite this, Oklahoma’s renewable energy industry has continued to grow, now with 45 percent of in-state electricity generation coming from renewables as of 2023 (EIA). For the 2025 Legislative Session, over 40 bills have been introduced in Oklahoma around siting, setback, transmission infrastructure, and tax credits for both the renewable energy and oil and gas industries. Governor Stitt noted in his State of the State Address that the energy industry should be free from barriers and regulations. This is true – let the energy markets work and those resources that provide the lowest cost to Oklahoma residents and businesses flow. Ensure private property owners determine what they want to allow on their land – and not enable outside voices to override who actually owns and understands their own land. Vesta Strategic Solutions will be following these items as proposed policies make their way through the legislature this spring. Follow us for more and reach out if VSS can help you navigate these topics this year!
References:
https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=OK
https://youtu.be/VZ8qJXjoAeM?si=XEypCszZIoRjQoh7
Read the full policy brief here: