The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation to ensure greater oversight of high-voltage electric transmission projects in Oklahoma.
Senate Bill 352, authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare, would require electric transmission facilities to obtain a certificate of authority from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission before exercising eminent domain to construct or expand a transmission facility rated greater than 300 kilovolts.
While private property owners may still build energy facilities on their property, the legislation would prevent eminent domain from being used to build wind turbines, solar energy facilities, battery storage facilities or hydrogen gas facilities without permission of the landowner.
Sen. Gollihare said the bill is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the development of critical energy infrastructure while safeguarding property owners’ rights.
“This legislation strikes a necessary balance between facilitating energy infrastructure improvements and ensuring landowners are protected from unchecked eminent domain claims,” Senator Gollihare said.
“By requiring a certificate of authority, we are making sure that high-voltage transmission projects undergo proper regulatory review before proceeding. With reasonable oversight, we are ensuring that high-voltage transmission projects are developed with transparency, accountability and respect for those impacted. Our goal is to support responsible energy growth while safeguarding landowners from unchecked use of eminent domain.”
The bill passed the committee on a 5-3 vote. Supporters included Sen. Gollihare and Sens. Mary Boren, Brent Howard, Darcy Jech and Paul Rosino. Those opposed to the measure were Sens. Michael Brooks, Shane Jett and Lisa Standridge.
Senate Bill 352 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
