Solar forum to be held in Norman

A public forum dedicated to a discussion of the untapped potential of Oklahoma solar energy production and its many benefits will be held FEBRUARY 4th, 6pm, at City of Norman’s Central Library.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Norman and Ready For 100 Norman, the forum will feature three solar energy experts including Jim Roth, Dean of the School of Law at OCU, who will speak on statewide solar regulations and legislation; Dr. Bayram Saparov, from the chemistry department in OU, will discuss the many benefits of solar energy; and Nick Shumaker, systems engineer at Oklahoma Electric Cooperatives, will address the two main “types” of solar energy production and how they are already at work in Oklahoma.

In addition to the featured speakers, Johnson Grimm-Bridgwater, Director of the Oklahoma Chapter of Sierra Club, will formally unveil the commissioned publication “Examining Solar Energy in Oklahoma” which takes an in-depth look at the potential positive economic impacts solar energy production could have for the State of Oklahoma.

Solar legislation on file for the 2019 legislative session will also be highlighted.

According to experts, Oklahoma has enough potential solar energy to jump our state up to 6th in the nation if fully pursued. Currently, Oklahoma ranks 46th in the nation in solar energy production.

This is a public forum, intended to be beneficial to people of all levels of knowledge and elected officials are encouraged to attend to find out how solar energy can benefit both Oklahoma’s environment AND its “bottom line” by becoming an economic engine.