Some energy issues, including eminent domain use and setbacks for wind and solar farms, are among some of the topics to be reviewed in interim studies in the Oklahoma Senate.
Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has approved a series of interim study requests that will be considered during the Oklahoma Senate’s interim period. Interim studies have been assigned to relevant Senate committees and will be scheduled at the discretion of each committee chair. All approved studies must be completed by October 31.
These studies allow lawmakers to take a deeper dive into important issues facing the state ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
“Interim studies are a vital part of the legislative process,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “They give lawmakers time to dig deeper into complex or emerging issues that may not receive full attention during the fast-paced legislative session. These studies allow us to engage with subject matter experts, agency officials, industry leaders and everyday Oklahomans to gather a full range of perspectives. They also give us the opportunity to identify policy gaps, evaluate program effectiveness and explore innovative solutions that can lead to meaningful, informed legislation. Ultimately, this in-depth work helps ensure we are crafting smarter, more efficient policies that better serve the people of Oklahoma.”
Committee chairs are currently reviewing the studies assigned to them and will announce hearing dates and times once finalized. Study schedules and meeting notices will be posted on the Senate website at oksenate.gov.
All scheduled hearings will be open to the public and livestreamed on the Senate website to ensure transparency and accessibility for all Oklahomans.
To view a list of approved interim studies for consideration, click here.
Below are some of the energy-related studies.
25-009 Boren This Land is My Land Eminent Domain A study to promote transparency, accountability, and due process for land owners. Agriculture
25-016 Bullard Scenic Rivers
Look into the scenic rivers act and examine what problems, if any have been
caused by the scenic rivers act.
Agriculture
25-034 Frix ODOT Construction Work-zones Study to review construction work zones, including, the cost of these dangerous
work-zones to life and property.
Aero & Trans
25-037 Grellner Human Bio-Solids Disposal
A study looking at the cost effectiveness of incinerating Human bio-solids from the municipal sewer systems and the energy potentially generated to offset cost of current disposal methods.
25-056 Mann Review needs and challenges facing media outlets in Oklahoma Looking at issues and feedback received during session on SB 158 and HB 2426 -Storm Chasers
Aero & Trans
25-061 Murdock Wind and Solar Setbacks To determine if setbacks are needed and what distance they should be if so. Energy
25-062 Murdock Red Cedar Control A cost analysis of using goats as a tool to remove red cedars and other invasive
species vs. mechanical removal and vs. control burns.
Agriculture
