The start of the new session of the 60th Oklahoma legislature promises to build excitement at the State Capitol on Monday. And maybe a little skepticism.
More than 40 years ago, legislators were piqued about a poster that hung in the former broadcast press room of the capitol, featuring brightly colored clowns and highlighted with the warning— something to the effect that the circus was back in town. “Send in the clowns!” It was a direct reference to the return of the legislators and obviously, the legislators weren’t particularly fond of the poster which is long gone. In some respects, some observers still have the same kind of skeptical view. To this day, there remains a certain dubious attitude among voters that when legislators return to the capitol, nothing is sacred.
Nonetheless, the legislators begin their work on Monday by formally gathering at 12 p.m. to hear Gov. Kevin Stitt deliver his state of the state address, which is usually around 12:30 p.m. or later when he starts his speech. Energy observers will be anxious to see if the governor focuses in any extent on oil and gas, wind and solar power and the growing opposition to expanded renewable energy and transmission line development in the state.
Once the governor concludes, the legislators will have four months to deal with the bills before them—more than 3,000 which is ironic in a state whick votes Republican in support of the theory of less government regulation. Legislators will also see new leaders of the 2025 session. Rep. Kye Hilbert of Bristow will lead the 101 house members as the new Speaker. In the Senate, the new president pro tempore will be Tuttle Sen. Lonnie Paxton.
Energy followers will be paying close attention to a number of issues, such as bringing an end to subsidies for wind farms in the state. Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada and Rep. Jim Shaw filed SB239 say the elimination of subsidies for wind farms would save $16 million a year for the state.
“Oklahoma taxpayers have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies for wind farms across the state and it’s beyond time to end this costly practice,” stated Sen. Wingard.
He says existing wind farms continue to receive tax breaks but Oklahoma families “don’t benefit from these green-energy initiatives.”
Among the 3,000-plus bills in the legislature are several dealing with eminent domain and its use by wind and solar farm operators as well as developers of major transmission electrical lines. OK Energy Today recently highlighted the efforts of Rep. Molly Jenkins of Coyle who has offered a state constitutional vote on her HJR1003, which would prohibit the use of eminent domain for wind farm development.
“It prohibits the use of eminent domain for the siting or construction of wind turbines on private property. It prohibits the use of eminent domain for transmission lines that transmit electricity from wind energy projects,” according to the resolution.
Those following the issue of major electric projects such as transmission lines and competitive bidding will want to follow the efforts of Lawton Rep. Trey Caldwell and the bills he filed.
They concern competitive bidding by utilities and developers of electrical projects.