Oklahoma becomes 36th state to pass clean energy law

Oklahoma places itself among states that have legislated clean energy mandates

Oklahoma finally placed itself among states that have legislated clean energy mandates after Governor Brad Henry signed House Bill 3028 into law.

H.B. 3028, or the Oklahoma Energy Security Act, was introduced by House Speaker Chris Benge to drive the state to develop renewable energy, especially wind, solar and geothermal power.

The bill recently passed the state’s House unscathed with an overwhelmingly favorable 91-2 vote.

The new law requires state power producers to derive 15 percent of their energy from renewable energy sources by 2015. The bill also features a provision which allows electricity generators to make use of energy efficiency measures to meet the 2015 objective.

“This legislation advances our nation’s energy security, improves the environment and enhances Oklahoma’s economic development potential,” said Mr. Henry.

The law aims to strengthen the state’s electric grid capability to allow transmission of wind power from wind farms across the state. The state legislature will partner with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which manages public utilities, and the North American grid reliability organization Southwest Power Pool to develop a blueprint for transmission grid improvement in the state.

“Without adequate transmission capacity, Oklahoma may miss an opportunity to provide clean energy for the region,” said Bobby Wegener, the state’s energy secretary.

“A more robust transmission system will increase reliability for all customers and allow clean Oklahoma power generation to serve the electricity needs of Oklahomans and others throughout the country,” he added.

In addition, the new legislation aims to maximize the development of the local natural gas industry by establishing a natural gas energy standard.

The law establishes a goal of constructing one fuelling station of compressed natural gas for every 100-mile stretch along the interstate highway system by 2015 and for every 50-mile stretch by 2025.

The governor said that the standard will position natural gas as the preferred fuel for electricity generation in the state. He added that the law will position the state as a potential area for investment by important players in the alternative energy industry.

“With the passage of this legislation, alternative energy manufacturing companies will take a closer look at locating in Oklahoma,” Mr. Henry said.

Oklahoma now joins 35 other states which currently implement their own forms of statewide renewable energy standards.

Renewable Energy Mandates