Legislation Targets Federal Research Investment
Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, has introduced legislation aimed at positioning Oklahoma to compete for a U.S. national laboratory and other major federal research centers, an effort supporters say could reshape the state’s long-term economic and workforce outlook.
If approved, House Bill 3176 would establish the Oklahoma Gas, Artificial Intelligence, and Space Research Hub, known as the GAS Hub, as a centralized coordinating entity housed within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The measure is designed to create organizational readiness rather than launch a single project, preparing the state to pursue future federal research opportunities as they emerge.
GAS Hub Would Coordinate State, Industry and Academia
Under HB3176, the GAS Hub would connect state agencies, higher education institutions, and private industry partners to align workforce development, site readiness, infrastructure planning, and federal engagement strategies.
Archer said the goal is to ensure Oklahoma is prepared to compete when federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, or the U.S. Department of Defense consider new research facilities.
“Great opportunities don’t wait for states to catch up,” Archer said. “We have the talent and resources available, but we need Oklahoma to be in position when the starting gun goes off, so we don’t miss our chance.”
Economic Impact of National Labs Highlighted
Archer emphasized that national laboratories function as long-term economic engines, generating decades of sustained federal research funding and private-sector investment.
He pointed to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which contributes more than $7 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy, and similar impacts seen in New Mexico, as examples of what Oklahoma could achieve with the right framework in place.
The GAS Hub, Archer said, could lead to high-paying technical jobs, expanded opportunities for CareerTech graduates, university researchers, and economic growth across both rural and urban communities.
Energy, Space and AI Seen as Strategic Advantages
As chairman of the Oklahoma House Energy Committee, Archer noted that the state’s strengths in energy, aerospace, and advanced computing align closely with national security and supply-chain priorities.
“When you look at the national lab system, nearly every energy sector is represented, except oil and gas,” Archer said. “We’re at a time when energy security, space technology, and computing power are vital to our national defense and global competitiveness.”
He added that Oklahoma’s role in oil and gas, combined with emerging AI development, makes it a strong candidate if a coordinated strategy is established.
Bill Responds to Decline in Advanced Industry Growth
Archer also cited a recent economic analysis showing Oklahoma has lost ground in advanced industries compared to peer states, calling the trend a signal that the state’s development model needs to evolve.
“This is not a failure of effort,” he said. “It’s a signal that our model needs to change. The GAS Hub is how we start making that change.”
The bill also creates the Oklahoma National Laboratory Development Program, which would identify and prepare potential sites, align workforce pipelines, and assemble infrastructure and incentive packages needed to attract federal investment.
Next Steps and Implementation Timeline
HB3176 would require annual reporting to state leadership to ensure transparency and accountability as the program moves forward. If enacted, the measure would take effect November 1, 2026.
“House Bill 3176 is ambitious, and it may be hard, but the things worth doing usually are,” Archer said. “This bill is about building the foundation for the next generation of opportunity.”